About 100 eye patients in Laikipia County have received free cataract surgery and 800 others have received free eye check-ups, courtesy of Lions Sight First Eye Hospital.
The Three-Day Eye Clinic held at the Nanyuki Maternity and Nursing Home saw residents get free eye checks, glasses and medicine. The medical camp, which started Wednesday, comes to a close tomorrow (Friday).
Nanyuki Maternity and Nursing Home proprietor, Dr. Somba Kivungu, said that cataracts were a major contributor to blindness and common among people aged 60 years and older.
“Eye sight is very important and without sight, your normal life gets affected. Cataracts are a major threat to losing eyesight and most common among the elderly. People should get regular eye check-ups,” advised Dr Kivungu.
Dr. Kivungu revealed that people with diabetes, hypertension, measles, injuries and meningitis, among other ailments, were also susceptible to blindness.
The medic further said that Trachoma was common among pastoral communities due to bacterial infections and lack of water, but assured the disease was curable.
Justus Maragara, a Lions Club Member, said that the eye check-up was absolutely free and encouraged residents and neighbouring counties to take advantage of the free medical camp to get treated.
“Surgeries are still ongoing, and people are getting treated; it’s free. The services are closer to residents. They don’t have to travel to Loresho in Nairobi for eye treatment,” said Maragara.
Laikipia County Lions Club President, Paul Ringera, appealed to well-wishers to join them in supporting communities through eye medical treatment and alleviating suffering due to a lack of financial support for treatment when they get ill.
“This is community work, mostly targeting those with eye problems. Like today, we had a huge turnout. For this work to be successful, it requires a lot of money. Consequently, we call on our leaders to support this noble course,” urged Ringera.
A beneficiary, Jackson Mwangi, said he had suffered eye problems for a long time, and accessing the free treatment was a big relief to him.
“I am happy to get the treatment and I urge those with problems such as mine to come and get treated,” said Mwangi.
Peter Maina, who had cataract surgery, thanked the institution for organising the free medical camp.
By Muturi Mwangi
