Sisters see the world for the first time At first glance, sisters Krislyn and Krisnah Gasang look like ordinary children, but their story is a truly remarkable one.

Krislyn and Krisnah, aged 7 and 4, were born with cataracts in both eyes. Growing up, they never knew what it was like to move around without assistance. In school, they had difficulty recognizing shapes, images and colors and couldn’t make friends or play outside.

They even needed a solar lamp or a flashlight directed on them when reading or drawing.

In November 2016, the Gasang sisters underwent surgery as beneficiaries of Asian Eye Institute’s cataract surgery program.

Asian Eye partners with private companies and nongovernmental organizations to provide subsidized cataract surgeries to deserving indigents. As of December 2016, it has operated on over 300 eyes.

Today, Krislyn and Krisnah enjoy clear vision, which has made them more outgoing and independent. They are also more excited to go to school and learn. In fact, they ended the last school year on a high note—Krislyn with excellent grades and Krisnah now able to write her full name. (Story/Photos by:Charizze Henson)