Nine To Noon How going blind helped highlight a gap in Pacific eye health
Mar 16, 2026
Esmeralda Lotham, a Pacific public-health researcher and PhD candidate who had a corneal transplant, recounts her journey from keratoconus diagnosis to research. She talks about late detection, recovery and how personal experience shaped her focus. She outlines screening programmes in schools and communities, barriers to preventive eye care, simple home checks and the importance of corneal donation.
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Keratoconus Diagnosis Forced Return From Samoa
- Esmeralda Lotham developed severe keratoconus while living in Samoa and required a corneal transplant in New Zealand.
- She delayed seeking care because Samoa's sole ophthalmologist was away and only returned to NZ after pain and light sensitivity became unbearable.
Hospital Roommates Turned Recovery Into Support
- Recovery after Esmeralda's corneal transplant was isolating and slow, but hospital roommates provided support and levity.
- A fellow transplant patient turned their ward into a makeshift fashion show, helping Esmeralda cope during convalescence.
Young Patient Taught Her Relational Care
- A six-year-old boy Esmeralda met in hospital had four corneal transplants and taught her resilience and relational care approaches.
- They administered eye drops together, which improved his receptiveness and showed how simple relationships change outcomes.