Irish doctors to save sight of Bosnian woman

A YOUNG Bosnian woman who was almost completely blind is having her sight restored by Irish doctors.

Hatidza Zukic, 26, was flown from her home in Mostar for a series of operations in University College Hospital Galway (UCHG).

Doctors are confident her sight can be restored successfully. One operation has already been carried out and she is due to undergo another in three weeks.

“She is making a very good recovery but it will take a good three months before she gets her sight back,” said founder of the Children First Foundation Moira Kelly.

Ms Kelly discovered the case of Hatidza, while visiting Mostar in Bosnia. The city was heavily shelled by the Serbs during the war in the early 90s and is still struggling to recover.

Hatidza had diabetes which can lead to blindness if there is a lack of proper medical care.

Even though Hatidza did not fit the Children First definition of a child, Ms Kelly recognised that she needed treatment urgently.

The foundation has paid for Hatidza’s flights, while Irish doctors have provided their services for free.

A medical student from Sligo, Patrick McSharry, helped with accommodation, while UCHG surgeon Frank Kinsella agreed to carry out the operations.

Another UCHG specialist, Professor of Medicine Tim O’Brien is drawing up a diabetes treatment program for Hatidza.

The young Bosnian woman does not speak English but after the local radio station, Galway Bay FM, broadcast an appeal, a Croatian refugee came forward as interpreter.

The Children First Foundation has previously organised for children with severe health problems to travel to Australia, Ireland, the US and Canada for free treatment in hospitals. Founder Moira Kelly is of Irish descent and was born in Melbourne, Australia.

Anyone interested in helping Children First can make a donation to the Bank of Ireland account 81961056, S/C 904042.