In a remarkable display of community service and Christian outreach, the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has embarked on an inspiring journey of partnership and healing with the Lions Sight First Eye Hospital.
Now in its second year, this collaboration offers free eye check-ups to the community, requiring payment only for eyeglasses. This initiative has become a beacon of hope for many, restoring not just vision but also the quality of life for numerous individuals.
Every last Monday of the month, the grounds of the ACK transform into a bustling hub of medical activity and compassion. From early morning, people start to gather, eager for the chance to receive much-needed eye care. The turnout is significant, with between 350 to 600 people attending each session.
The sight of families, elderly individuals, and young children all waiting patiently underscores the pressing need for such services in the community.
The process is efficiently organized. Upon arrival, attendees register and wait for their turn with a team of dedicated medical professionals from Lions Sight First Eye Hospital. The atmosphere is one of anticipation and hope as people chat and share their stories.
Many have travelled considerable distances, spurred by the promise of accessible eye care and the positive testimonials from those who have benefited in the past.
The check-ups are comprehensive, aiming to diagnose a range of eye conditions. The most common issues include refractive errors, which are easily corrected with eyeglasses. For these individuals, the cost of glasses is a small price to pay for clear vision and the chance to engage fully in daily activities. However, the programme goes far beyond providing glasses.
A significant portion of attendees are diagnosed with cataracts, a condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. The African Church of Kenya and Lions Sight First Eye Hospital have devised a compassionate response to this challenge.
Each month, between 14 to 26 individuals diagnosed with cataracts are offered the chance to undergo free eye surgeries in Nairobi. The process involves transportation and surgery costs covered by the programme, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of regaining sight.
One such beneficiary is Mrs. Josephine Wanjohi, a 65-year-old grandmother who has been struggling with cataracts in both eyes. Her condition had rendered her almost blind, severely impacting her ability to care for herself and her grandchildren.
“I couldn’t see to cook or clean,” she recalls. “My grandchildren had to help me with everything.” After attending the outreach programme and being diagnosed, she was taken to Nairobi for surgery. The transformation was immediate and profound. “I can see clearly now,” she says with a broad smile. “I have my life back, thanks to this programme.”
The impact of this outreach extends beyond individual patients. It ripples through families and the community at large. Children who receive eye care can perform better in school, while adults can return to work and provide for their families.
The elderly, often the most vulnerable, regain a sense of independence and dignity. In this way, the programme addresses not only physical health but also social and economic wellbeing.
The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of partnership and faith in action. The ACK has long been a pillar of support for its community, and this collaboration with Lions Sight First Eye Hospital enhances its mission.
By combining spiritual guidance with tangible health services, the church embodies the Christian tenet of loving thy neighbour and the command of Jesus Christ, ‘When I was sick,’ you visited and assisted me.
Mr. James Kamau, a church elder and one of the driving forces behind the programme, speaks passionately about its significance. “Our faith calls us to serve and uplift those in need. This programme is a manifestation of that calling. It’s about giving people hope and a future, one clear vision at a time.”
Looking ahead, there are plans to expand the programme. The church and hospital aim to increase the number of outreach days and enhance the range of services offered. There is also a vision for more extensive health education, teaching community members about eye health and the prevention of common conditions.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with gratitude and praise flowing towards the organizers. “This programme is a blessing,” says Peter Ombogo, a middle-aged man who received glasses through the outreach. “It shows that the church cares about our everyday struggles and is here to help.”
In a world where access to healthcare can be a significant barrier, the partnership between the ACK and Lions Sight First Eye Hospital shines as a beacon of compassion and service. It is a powerful reminder that when communities come together, driven by faith and mutual support, they can create lasting change and offer the gift of sight to those in need.
Also, such positive and free-of-charge programmes augment the Christian attitude that pervades the country, despite the deleterious and injurious negativity that was primed against the church following the horrendous starvation to death by the Shakahola debacle that maligned the good name of the local church.
By Veronica Bosibori and Daisy Moraa
