Sight loss is a universal problem – but a far bigger one in sub-Saharan Africa. With little options for treatment, or none at all, those who are afflicted with any number of eye issues such as cataracts can end up in an indefinite state of limbo. It can cost them their jobs and seriously impact their life and others; for example, with not many people having access to guide dogs, it is a common practice to use small children in their place.

One man trying tackling this problem head-on is Dr Samuel Bora, optamologist, cataract surgeon and the subject of the Passion Rivers Films documentary, The End of Blindness. Liaising with the Tropical Health Foundation Alliance, he almost exclusively serves the three million strong population of Wellaga in rural Ethiopia. At a minimal charge, he has performed more than twenty thousand eye operations over the course of six years and is so skilled he has rarely if ever failed. So valued is Dr Bora that Larry Thomas, founder of the THFA, straight up says: “my biggest fear is that something will happen to (him)”.

His remarkable story almost did not come to fruition: he grew up in a poor village, wanting to study medicine and was given a lifeline by a Finnish missionary couple working in Ethiopia. They helped to pay for his education, an act which he is forever grateful for and is repaying through his dedicated work. Not only has this act of charity made it possible for him to fulfil his potential and provide help and care to so many, it also allowed him to give his children a better start at life than he did.

Though this is definitely a story worth telling, The End of Blindness doesn’t quite do it justice. Writer/director AJ Martinson’s heavy use of talking head interviews and statistics give it the feel more of a promotion for Dr Bora’s work than a full narrative film. Despite there being a lot of elements that could be explored or expanded on, the film doesn’t even reach the hour mark. While it doesn’t lessen the content of the documentary, it does raise questions as to why it couldn’t go further.

Where it succeeds most is seeing the faces of Dr Bora’s patients light up once their operation is over and they are able to see again. The film follows some patients who they travel to meet him, their cataracts having made life near unbearable and believing him to be their last remaining hope. One such subject is Lalise, a young lady whose sight loss has made her despondent, in particular that it means her baby son will have to take care of her for life if not treated.

Another, an elderly woman whose cataracts have cost her job, travels with her husband from Addis Abbaba to meet Dr Bora, a trip which proves very emotional for the both of them. If an operation is not successful then she will be at a big disadvantage for the rest of her life and it all comes down to the moment when the bandages are removed…

The End of Blindness is informative and at times moving but it is not the most sophisticated documentary out there. That it provides a glimpse at this little-reported issue which has ramifications for millions makes up for the technical and pacing problems. After witnessing the power of its core story, the film will likely leave audiences wanting it to have done more.