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When Petronella Daniels Muleya walks through the doors of St. Luke’s Mission Hospital in Rufunsa, she does not just see patients , she sees purpose.
As an Ophthalmic Clinical Officer, Petronella serves in a district that, for over a decade, lacked eye careservices. Orbis supported the set-up of the first eye clinic in the district in 2023 and today, she stands as a symbol of hope and transformation – not only for the hospital, but for the entire Rufunsa district a place situated a about 160km from Zambia’s Lusaka Central Business District (CBD) in Lusaka Province.
Petronella’s journey began with a spark of empathy. In high school, she watched some of her classmates struggle to keep up in class because of poor vision. The smallest tasks – reading the board, walking confidently, or even recognizing faces – were daily battles.
“That stuck with me,” she recalls. “I saw how much of life they were missing, and I knew I wanted to do something to help people like them. That dream never left me.”
It was this deeply personal motivation that led her to pursue a career in clinical ophthalmology – a path that, while fulfilling, was not without its challenges.
Before her formal training while working as an acting in charge at the Outpatient Department (OPD), Petronella was committed but often felt under-equipped to diagnose or treat complex eye conditions.
“There were cases I did not fully understand,” she says, “and that meant delays in referrals or the wrong treatment paths. I felt helpless sometimes, knowing the patient deserved better.”
Then came a life-changing opportunity – a scholarship supported by Orbis Zambia and the David and Molly Pyott Foundation to undergo professional ophthalmic training in The Gambia at Sheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care Centre
“It was not just a personal achievement,” Petronella says with pride. “It was a huge win for the entire district. Rufunsa had not had a trained ophthalmic provider in 13 years from the time the previous one left”
The training in the Gambia was rigorous andincredibly rewarding. A typical day included both classroom learning and practical exposure to real cases – from refractive errors to surgeries for conditions like pterygium and evisceration.
Petronella fondly recalls one particularly emotional moment; “It was the first time I performed a pterygium removal. The patient came in with a vision of 3/60. After the procedure, it improved to 6/12. That one surgery gave me so much confidence. I knew I was finally equipped to make a real difference.”
Armed with new skills and deeper confidence, Petronella returned to Rufunsa in July of 2024 determined to make an impact. And she did.
Now able to diagnose complex eye conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, she performs minor surgeries and guides patients with more clarity and compassion.
“Patients are getting the care they need without having to travel far. Outcomes have improved. They understand their conditions better, and we are seeing fewer preventable complications.”
She is also playing a role in mentorship to three fellow staff , while heading the eye unit and sharing knowledge with fellow healthcare providers through clinical meetings, onsite mentorship, and even phone consultations across the district and beyond.
Among the many patients Petronella has helped, one story stands out.
An 8-year-old girl from Rufunsa Combined School had been struggling with poor vision for two years. Despite multiple clinic visits, her condition remained undiagnosed. When she finally arrived at St. Luke’s Mission Hospital, Petronella quickly discovered she had bilateral mature cataracts and squinting in both eyes.
“I did the investigations and referred her to UTH for surgery,” she shares. “She had the cataracts removed, and her vision is now improving. She’s awaiting strabismus correction – but already, her quality of life is better.”
Petronella expresses heartfelt thanks to Orbis Zambia and the David and Molly Pyott Foundation.
“The support did not just change my life – it is changing the lives of hundreds in Rufunsa. We are seeing the results already, and they are profound.”
St. Luke’s Mission Hospital has greatly benefited from support from Orbis Zambia. This has included the establishment of an eye clinic in 2023, provision of essential consumables, awareness materials, and capacity building for eye care staff like Petronella. Thanks to this support, the hospital has been able to provide eye care services such as screening, treatment and surgeries conducted by visiting partner hospitals to approximately 11,615 people in the Rufunsa community.
Looking to the future, Petronella hopes to expand her capabilities even further, especially in cataract surgery – a much-needed service in her community. Through the Orbis support three health care workers at St. Lukes Mission Hospital have undergone the Pimary Eye Care (PEC) Training increasing capacity and reach within Rufunsa.
“My dream is to keep growing so I can serve my people better. Cataracts are such a common problem, especially among the elderly who often cannot afford to travel. I want to be their solution.”
In Petronella’s hands, the future of eye health in Rufunsa is bright. Through dedication, resilience, and the gift of opportunity, she is truly bringing vision – in every sense of the word – to her community.
Image on top: Graduation Day: Petronella (third from left) with friends pose for a photo during their graduation in the Gambia
