OPERATION FATHI

Six-year-old Mustafa Fathi suffered a severe injury to his right eye that left him with significant vision loss. In an effort to save his eyesight, the little boy underwent multiple surgeries at Westeye Hospital in Iraq, including cataract removal, vitrectomy, and silicone oil implantation and removal in the months that followed his injury.

Despite these procedures, Mustafa experienced significant vision loss. Doctors reported that he could only perceive hand movements with his right eye. To preserve what remained of his vision, Mustafa required a lens implant surgery. Mustafa’s family had exhausted their savings and could not afford the surgery. At only six years old, the boy risked total vision loss in his eye.

VRL’s nonprofit partners: IID and WB recognized the need for medical intervention and reached out to Veterans Rebuilding Life for support. Within 24 hours, VRL approved sponsorship of the mission and raised the funds necessary to complete the procedure. On Sept. 29, 2025, Mustafa underwent successful lens-implant surgery. The $1,336 cost was fully covered by VRL donors, whose generosity gave a child the gift of sight, and hope for a brighter future.