RAWALPINDI: Surgeons at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital have removed a congenital tumour from the eye of a six-year-old Somali girl.

Nimoh was born with a tumour affecting one eye. According to hospital officials, her family sought medical help in multiple countries and by the time the girl was brought to Rawalpindi, prolonged irritation and repeated rubbing had worsened the condition, and doctors determined that vision in the affected eye had already been permanently lost.

Dr Tayyab Afgani, head of the hospital’s oculoplastics department, said the tumour had expanded steadily and posed a life-threatening risk. “Removing the mass was essential to prevent further spread and potentially fatal complications,” he said.

A multidisciplinary surgical team carried out a complex procedure to remove the tumour, working around delicate nerves and blood vessels.

The operation was completed without major complications.

Dr Afgani confirmed that the immediate threat to her life had been eliminated, and she remains under post-operative observation.

According to the World Health Organisation, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide live with some form of vision impairment, with the majority residing in low and middle-income countries where specialist services are limited.

In South Asia and parts of Africa, untreated childhood eye conditions continue to contribute to preventable blindness.

Hospital officials said the family approached Al-Shifa after learning about its ocular oncology services.

Nimoh is recovering well, doctors said, and will continue follow-up care in the coming weeks.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2026