BANTEN — On a small island in Serang Regency called Panjang Island, there lives a tough fisherman named Sudirman (54) who often sails the seas. Almost every day, he sails to make a living by catching fish.
However, behind his bright smile, Sudirman harbours a problem that is slowly starting to disrupt his life. His blurred vision has made it difficult for him to fulfil his obligation to earn a living, especially when he goes out to sea.
The dazzling sunlight and salty seawater often made his eyes sting. Sudirman also began to have difficulty distinguishing colours and distances. Sometimes, he even goes the wrong way at sea, especially when it’s dark at night. This is of course very worrying, both for him and his family.
A new hope emerged. One day, good news came that a free cataract surgery social service programme would be held on Panjang Island by Dompet Dhuafa through the Achmad Wardi Hospital (RSAW) Social Service Programme. Without thinking, Sudirman immediately registered himself, which was then followed by 59 other people. He sincerely hopes to be able to see the world clearly and brightly again.
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After undergoing a series of examinations on 14 August 2024, sure enough, Sudirman and 27 others tested positive for cataracts and needed immediate surgery. With mixed feelings of emotion and anxiety, he travelled to RSAW in Serang City to undergo cataract surgery. However, despite her anxiety about the surgery, she did not have to worry about all the necessities of the surgery process, as RSAW covered everything. From transport, accommodation, food, and more.
After Sudirman underwent the screening process, the author had the opportunity to meet Sudirman at his home. He told me that he started working as a fisherman since his son was 5 years old, or around 2005. Now the boy is 24 years old. This means that he has been working as a fisherman for 20 years. Before that, he claimed to have worked as a labourer in building projects.
He said he goes to sea every two days. Usually, he starts fishing at 6.30 a.m. until late afternoon, sometimes even at night. He does this to support his family and to pay for his son’s education.
‘In the sea, it is very hot for the eyes. Especially in the morning or afternoon. The reflection stings the eyes. I start to feel the effect usually at night. It stings, it stings like after being exposed to welding radiation, it’s hot,’ he said.
‘At first I didn’t have red eyes. After a year and a half, more or less, my eyes started to get red. Then I started to feel uncomfortable. My eyes stung, and I felt a bit blurry,’ she added.
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During his activities at sea, Sudirman did not wear any eye protection. He, as well as the people of Panjang Island, chose not to wear eye protection from the sun, as it was felt to make activities more difficult. Another factor is exposure to boat lights. At night, some fishermen will use lights with 1,500 to 2,000 watts of power. Not infrequently, the lights point to other fishermen and hit the eyes.
In addition, Panjang Island residents rarely have the awareness to get their eyes checked. The reason is because they feel afraid. Sudirman was the same. He was scared at first. Until the cataract attack really bothered him.
‘Now I feel that my eyesight is deteriorating. Maybe it’s the age factor too. When I was young, I was comfortable. There was no problem. But now there are a lot of complaints. The most disturbing thing is when I go out to sea like this. At night it’s hot, sore, like there’s white stuff like that. Alhamdulillah. Hopefully this will be my sustenance this year. Hopefully, I can go to RSAW for surgery,’ Sudirman hoped at that time, Wednesday (14/08/2024).
On 24 September 2024, the free cataract surgery was successfully performed and afterwards Sudirman could feel the improvement in his vision. He received surgery on his left eye. While the right one, the doctor said, was still normal, it was just recommended to wear eye protection from UV rays.
After successfully undergoing surgery, the world seemed to become new to Sudirman. Colours feel brighter, details that were previously faint are now clearly visible. Every morning, he is no longer reluctant to go outside to enjoy the sea view and the combination of cool wind and warm sunshine.
On 19 October 2024, the author again had the opportunity to meet Sudirman at his home. Sudirman said, ‘One week or so after the screening, it was rumoured that I would be operated on. I was so happy. I immediately imagined that I would be able to see clearly again’.
‘Alhamdulillah, now it’s bright. It’s really bright. I have no complaints. Every night I used to endure the pain because of the heat during the day. After the operation, we were advised to wait half a month before we could go to the sea again. Then it was recommended by the doctor to be assisted by glasses. I’m very happy to be able to read, I’m not blurry anymore, I don’t have shadows anymore,’ he continued.
Sudirman’s life as a fisherman has also changed considerably. He can clearly see signs of nature that were previously difficult to detect, such as changes in the colour of sea water or the presence of fish. This of course greatly helps him in finding fish and increasing his catch.
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Sudirman’s story then inspired many people on Panjang Island. Some residents who had complaints similar to Sudirman’s began to dare to get their eyes checked. They hope to get the same opportunity to get free treatment. Sudirman has also taught the author how valuable eye health is. Eyes are a priceless gift. By having good eyesight, we can enjoy the beauty of the world and do various activities better.
In addition, Sudirman’s story also shows the importance of social care. Thanks to the waqf and social contribution from the community with RSAW Dompet Dhuafa, Sudirman and many others have the opportunity to live a better life. We can all play an active role in helping others in need. Efforts to eradicate cataract eye cases can be more widely carried out with the support of many parties. You can participate in freeing up the cost of cataract surgery for poor people who are having economic constraints.
Come on! Help them see again by donating via digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donation/operasikatarak. You can also give productive waqf for medical devices through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/wakaf/wakafalkes. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika Prabowo