KUALA LUMPUR: A 10-year-old girl born with congenital cataracts lost her sight permanently after surgery intended to treat her condition tragically went wrong, leaving her fully blind.
According to a report in China Press, the girl, nicknamed "Xiao Ni," comes from a single-parent household. Her mother, Wong Mei Qi, also has congenital cataracts, due to a family history of the condition.
Congenital cataracts are a condition where a baby is born with cloudy areas in the lens of the eye, which can impair vision.
Wong shared that she had always remained optimistic about her daughter's condition and had actively sought treatment for her.
Xiao Ni showed improvement while receiving care at a government hospital. However, in search of better care, Wong decided to take her daughter to a private hospital.
Living in Tanjung Karang, Selangor, Wong travelled to Kuala Lumpur for a consultation in June 2022.
During the visit, the doctor discovered that Xiao Ni's eyes were in a severe condition and warned that, without timely surgery, there was a risk of blindness.
"I didn't want to see my daughter lose her sight, so I agreed to the surgery. But after the procedure, my daughter's right eye began to bleed.
The doctor only prescribed eye drops and assured me that her vision would gradually return," she said.
However, two years later, Xiao Ni not only failed to regain her sight but was left completely blind.
Wong expressed deep dissatisfaction with the doctor, stating that the doctor never discussed the surgery's success rate, risks, or her daughter's condition during follow-up consultations.
"If the doctor had informed us of the likelihood of success, the risks involved, or any potential side effects, I could have made a more cautious decision," she said.
Wong also revealed that she has faced criticism from relatives and friends about the situation, while her daughter's emotional and psychological struggles deeply concern her.
"I have to stay strong and become my daughter's eyes, and be her greatest support.
I hope she will no longer fear a world filled with only shadows and light.
No matter how slim the chance, I will do everything I can to help Xiao Ni see again," Wong said, her voice breaking with emotion.