Aylin Mutlu, who is a mother of three and whose house in Hatay province was damaged in the earthquakes, is trying to get a new eye prosthesis for her eldest son Mehdi (9) who was born with one eye impaired. Devastated by earthquakes, Mutlu is trying to replace the eye prosthesis that is too small for her son yet has no money to carry out measurements or buy a new prosthesis. Mutlu requested help during an interview with ANF.

'We have been living in tents for 2 months'

Barely survived the Maraş-centred earthquakes, Mutlu said that their house was damaged and thus they still had to live in tents with her husband and three children. Mutlu said: “My husband gives me strength to endure. We couldn't find blankets for days, but we were very lucky to have greenhouses. Most of the neighbours have taken shelter there. About 20 families have been living in tents for 2 months.

‘My son is most affected by bad conditions’

Mutlu revealed that his son, who lacks one eye, was the most affected one under these difficult conditions. She pointed out that he always risked infection due to the dust coming from the rubble and unhygienic conditions.

'Prosthesis is too expensive, we cannot afford it'

Mutlu continued: “I changed about 10 doctors for treatment. A doctor I consulted told me that his eye was starting to shrink and could be closed forever if his eyes was not replaced by a prosthesis. His eye was later removed. He had two surgeries when he was 1.5 years old, and we found a prosthetic eye for him right after. Since there is no place to order a new eye prosthesis in Hatay, we had measurements done in Adana and purchased an eye prosthesis from an optician in Ankara. However, since this prosthesis was too small for him, it started to water and became gummy constantly. We were using drops, but it was difficult to find that drop. We were going to go to Ankara to take measurements again, but unfortunately, we were struck by the earthquakes and our situation got worse. Prosthesis is too expensive, and we cannot afford it.

It would be great if we could get a new prosthesis after measurements in a field hospital or in Adana. I am asking financial help because I cannot afford it. Children are already deprived of education. They are mentally depressed due to the earthquakes. They just wander around the rubble all day. I need help to find a new prosthesis for my son, I hope a solution will be found.”