Uzma Khan’s Story

I am a medical doctor, public health implementer and a researcher working in TB for over a decade. As an implementer, I have had the good fortune to travel, support and learn from people living and working in diverse settings. In late 2018, I developed dull ache, blurry vision, and watering of my left eye with increasing sensitivity to light. It took about five months before I was diagnosed with Ocular TB, a less common extrapulmonary form of TB. 

Despite being a physician and having access to the best health services, I had to go through multiple ophthalmologists, with varied opinions and in fact, contradictory diagnosis. There was one instance where a doctor was certain I should be given steroid injections for my acutely inflamed left eye! However, I am grateful that given my privilege, knowledge of the area and the immense support, I was able to receive appropriate TB treatment and care. I still see some floaters in my left eye but I am used to them now. Sometimes, I wish people could see what I see. It is a slightly different world.

My experience reinforces the importance of moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. Those affected by TB need – deserve – a more individualized approach contextualized to culture, geography, local data, and local realities. As members of TBpeople Canada, and the global TB community, we can drive this change by sharing our experiences and calling on decision-makers to bring effective and meaningful change in TB prevention, care and response.