As a gesture to mark World Sight Day, Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers in Kakamega town, received free eye screening and treatment sponsored by a non-governmental organization.
The Optometrists Association of Kenya in collaboration with other partners held the free screening programme to mark World Sight Day observed annually on the Second Tuesday of October.
The organization partnered with; Ministry of Health GOK, Essilor Group, VisionSring, Kakamega Optics ltd and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) to mark the day.
The programme coordinator for Optometry Association of Kenya Sheila Nangena said that they are offering free services like screening, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity, color vision, and offering of glasses and medication to the drivers.
“We chose PSV drivers because they are the most neglected group and thus we are creating awareness to have their vision tested,” said Nangena.
She also said the screening will help avoid and reduce unnecessary accidents.
Speaking during the function, Solomon Alwenge, a fifth year Optometry student at MMUST said that the university’s optometry students have volunteered to take part in the screening activity.
“MMUST has played a key role in the success of the event by donating various equipment used in the screening,” added Alwenge.
Alfred Robert, an Optometry lecturer at MMUST also said that they chose PSV drivers because their sponsors, Optometry Association of Kenya, only had specific interests in PSV drivers.
“Unlike Bukura, where we only had one type of reading glasses, here we are offering various types of glasses for short or long sighted and also for the color blind clients,” he added.
He also noted that they are targeting over 300 PSV drivers to turn out for screening.
According to the organizers’, the screening is also taking place in Eldoret, Kisii, Nakuru and Mombasa regions.
The free screening is expected to be extended for interested members of the public at MMUST from October 17 to 19.
By Anne Otieno and Rose Adelaide
