Devoted postal worker seeks help to restore vision

Granville Benjamin, a devoted post office clerk since 2004, faces a vision-threatening challenge. His job, which involves sorting and dispatching parcels, is at risk because of deteriorating vision that started troubling him in November 2020.

The postal worker, who last worked at the Central Sorting Office in Kingston, has since lost his vision because of detached retinas in both eyes. He has had surgery on his left eye to correct retinal detachment. The procedure, which cost $1.5 million, will have to be performed on the other.

Retinal detachment occurs when the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, known as the retina, becomes separated from the underlying eye layers, causing blurred vision or shadows. Despite the challenges he faces, Benjamin maintains a positive outlook, trusting the medical experts to restore his vision.

"The report from the doctor is that it can be fixed, and I trust their expertise. Once the scar tissue is removed from the left eye, which I have done the laser surgery on, then I am good to go. I will do the same procedure on the right eye ... and I really just trust God to bring me through it," Benjamin said.

The 43-year-old, who has not been able to work since March 2021, said dealing with his vision challenges has been difficult financially and emotionally. His troubles are compounded by the fact that he is diabetic. He relies on his neighbours and others for assistance in moving around and going to doctor's visits.

"I can't cook because I can't see, and neither should I go over the heat. I have a friend, who is a retired supervisor at the post office, who used to come and cook for me, but, in helping me, she realised that she had a health condition," Benjamin said.

Grateful that he gets help to cover his rent, food and medication, he knows he can't continue to burden the one person who is currently assisting. He insists that he is playing his part to keep his diabetes under control. He is hoping that by sharing his story, some Good Samaritans will step forward and help him regain his sight and independence.

"I want to be able to do the surgery when the specialists are ready, if it's even to have half of it and probably work out a payment plan. I know it should be soon, so I also have to be consistent with medication to keep the pressure down. I will really take any help I can get," Benjamin said.

Granville Benjamin may be contacted via telephone at (876) 410-6701 or donate to his NCB account, #404392158 at the University of the West Indies, Mona branch.