Michéle’s time in Kenya documenting
The Cure Blindness Program
Portraits are my passion, and the opportunity to give back through my photography work is incredibly meaningful to me. In February of 2025 I traveled to Kenya, where I collaborated with The Cure Blindness Project to create visual content for their outreach and fundraising efforts. I've long admired Dr. Geoff Tabin, the ophthalmologist and Himalayan climber who co-founded the project (originally named the Himalayan Cataract Project) with Dr. Sanduk Ruit, ever since my days working on adventure documentaries with John Wilcox.
It’s inspiring to see how the organization has grown. What started in the mountains of Nepal has now grown into millions of surgeries, screenings, and treatments in over 30 countries — and they’re not stopping until everyone with avoidable blindness can see.
A highlight of the trip was going with my dear friend Allison Daily, Executive Director of Pathfinders. I captured the visual story through photos, while Allison brought it to life with heartfelt interviews so we could learn more about the emotional side behind the doctors, nurses and patients.
At City Eye Hospital in Nyeri, we followed the incredible journey from start to finish — screening patients, bringing them into the clinic, the prep for the surgery, the 15-minute surgery itself and then the best part: capturing the moment the bandages came off and they could see again. Pure magic and joy!
The Portraits & Their Stories
The Portraits
& Their Stories
Stevenson & Paul
A beautiful surprise was witnessing a special bond form between two patients, Stevenson and Paul. Stevenson, kind and reassuring, had already regained sight in one eye and was back for his second surgery. Paul, blind for three years, was scared and nervous about the procedure. But with Stevenson constantly by his side, we watched Paul slowly relax, his fear easing with Stevenson by his side…
Stoic and silent, Paul, 90, sits at home shortly before being driven to Nyeri City Eye Hospital.
Surrounded by family who have been devoted to his well being and care.
Stevenson just before leaving his farm to join Paul in the van and head to the clinic.
Stevenson (right) and his brother (middle) are very proud of growing some of the largest cabbages I’ve ever seen!
Sam (left), who works for City Eye Hospital, consistently exudes warmth and enthusiasm with his huge smile ready for all of the patients. Actually, for everybody!
“Since I was helped, I want to help others,” explains Stevenson, 82. He is returning to the hospital to have his right eye corrected. He gently guides Paul who will be having cataract surgery for the first time.
Fekadu, a native of Ethiopia and volunteer-extraordinaire for Cure Blindness, helped me to cover the story of the cataract work being done in Nyeri.
I was meant to help Fekadu develop his photography skills, but he didn’t need much coaching as he intuitively knew where to be and what to capture.
Stevenson assigns himself in charge of Paul’s care literally every step of the way.
Here, Stevenson calms Paul’s nerves before surgery.
Post-surgery, Stevenson continues to stay close to Paul while they settle in to spend the night at the hospital. Their beds were deliberately placed side by side.
Still together, waiting patiently for the doctor to take off the bandages.
“There is nothing to be afraid of. Tomorrow when we can see again, we dance.” As promised, there is dancing- and a little singing. The two celebrate together and a few staff members join in. It’s difficult not to when joy fills the room. Paul is able to see the face of his new friend who walked with him every step of this journey.
Back at his farm, Stevenson shows his appreciation to City Eye Hospital by gifting some of his prize cabbages to the hospital to help feed the other patients. This once again demonstrates his kind and deeply caring nature.
Greeted by his daughters, an exuberant Paul returns home to a new life of independence led with confidence.