Growing up with sight problems was nothing unusual for Akber Shah. For 19 year-old Akber, a student from Pakistan, regular eye check-ups were a part of growing up, until one day in March 2011 he was told startling news.

“My doctor told me that I needed a cornea transplant.”

Being unable to receive this treatment in Pakistan, Akber and his elder brother Hakeem started seeking assistance from doctors to get this procedure done elsewhere.

“After consulting experienced doctors in Pakistan, I chose Sri Lanka as it is one of the largest donors of corneas in the world. I then decided to have the procedure done at Durdans Hospital for its reputation.”

When Hakeem contacted Durdans Hospital, our Consultation Coordinator made an appointment for Akber with renowned eye surgeon Dr Charith Fonseka. All the paperwork was emailed to Hakeem to enable him to arrange visas. They arrived in Sri Lanka on 19th April and visited Durdans Hospital the next day.

“The Consultation Coordinator was very friendly and welcoming. She made us feel at home even though we didn’t know anyone here. She didn’t let us feel that we were in a strange country for a second. We were so impressed by how she treated us.”

Dr Fonseka gave a warm welcome to reassure them and advised Akber to return in two days for the operation. On April 22nd Akber underwent the operation which was successful. He left Durdans Hospital two days later to continue his recovery from his hotel. Akber and Hakeem were greatly satisfied with the care they received during their stay at Durdans.

“I was given excellent treatment throughout my stay. The staff was so cooperative and the way the doctors and nurses looked after me was beyond our expectations.”

Akber and Hakeem were extremely grateful to the Consultation Coordinator who assisted them during their stay.

“She even helped us find a hotel closer to the hospital and we felt she treated us like her own family. We have no words to praise her and will always remember her.”

Akber is now in Pakistan attending to his studies without any discomfort. He will return to Sri Lanka sometime this year to have another check-up with his eye surgeon.

“I would like to thank Dr Charith Fonseka for the successful operation and the entire staff of Durdans Hospital for their treatment and care towards us.

I love you all and will recommend you to anyone.”