Roshan Theeng has always had a passion to learn. But when the cataract that spread over his eyes cost him his eyesight when he was in the second grade in school, he could no longer read or write.

Theeng’s passion to learn has been redeemed now that his eyesight has been restored. Two weeks ago, famed eye surgeon Sanduk Ruit treated him, and his reaction to being able to see again was captured in an emotional video that went viral on social media. The video shows a delighted, ecstatic Theeng running his hands over the surgeon’s head after the successful surgery.

Cataracts had invaded both of Theeng’s pupils three years back. Over the years, he slowly lost his eyesight, eventually going completely blind. After three years of complete blindness, 13-year-old Theeng could finally see again.

Right after his eyes were removed from the bandage, Theeng had shouted out loud: “I can see everything and everybody. Now I can go to school again.”

Just a week or so after receiving his eyesight back, on July 10 and 11, Theeng attended the Mahendra Basic School, in Uttarpani, to rejoin school. He will be enrolled in the second grade.

Since the school is currently conducting its terminal exam starting July 12, Theeng has been asked to rejoin from July 18, the day when the exam ends. The school has given him two books and an exercise book, and Theeng says he is excited to study again.

Maili Maya Theeng, Roshan’s grandmother, said that he is really excited about going back to school. “He has a passion for studies and books. I just hope he does well in school.”

It was Maili Maya who had carried Theeng on her back and brought him to Hetauda Community Eye Hospital in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan, where the free eye camp was conducted. “I heard a free camp was being organised at the hospital for eye tests and eye surgeries so I brought my grandson here,” said Maya.

Theeng has been under Maili Maya’s care since his mother passed away two years ago from HIV-related complications, while his father, who is also HIV positive, is bedridden.

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