Fred Hollows Foundation has offered scholarships to health care workers in Busia County with a view to address the shortage of eye care specialists.
Speaking during a meeting with health officials in Busia town on Wednesday, the foundations’ Project Manager Catherine Jakaiti said they are committed to ensuring that human resource is well aligned in all areas of partnerships for the benefits of residents.
“The organization has identified four health workers who will train as ophthalmologists, an ophthalmic nurse and two cataract surgeons who will upgrade their skills,” she said.
Busia County Director of Medical Services Dr Janerose Ambuchi said that the number of eye care workers was inadequate, hence hindering efficient service delivery to residents.
“At one point we did some analysis which established that there is no ophthalmologist in the County,” she said, adding that the situation has created a big gap in addressing all eye problems.
Dr Ambuchi encouraged health personnel interested in ophthalmology to go for training explaining that it takes a short period.
The County Eye Coordinator Harriet Kavere disclosed that five eye care workers are set to retire this year.
She said the department requires eye care workers from different cadres namely four ophthalmologists, three cataract surgeons, four ophthalmic nurses, 10 ophthalmic assistants and four optical technicians.
Fred Hollows Foundation is an International non-profit making organization which focuses on treating and preventing blindness.
By Salome Alwanda
