About 2, 000 eye patients in Mombasa County received free treatment during a camp sponsored by a Kuwait Foundation over the weekend.
The two days’ camp organized by the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) at Mvita clinic saw 1670 patients treated for minor eye conditions while 170 underwent corrective cataract surgery.
The camp came at a time the coastal city residents have witnessed increased cases of eye ailments particularly cataract occasioned by various factors, including age.
According to an eye specialist, Dr. Peter Mjala, those beyond the age of 60 years were more vulnerable to cataract problem which is a cloudy formation in front of the lens of the eyes mainly caused by excess levels of proteins.
The CIPK National Treasurer, Sheikh Hassan Omar thanked the Kuwait Foundation for sponsoring the camp which he said had significantly helped those who could not afford advanced treatments from local hospitals.
“We truly appreciate this kind gesture and call upon other well-wishers to come forward and organize similar free treatment,” said Sheikh Hassan.
He stated that such medical camps should be held on regular basis to assist a big number of area residents including children who suffered from various eye problems.
The CIPK official challenged Mombasa County government to equip hospitals and clinics with modern and other necessary facilities for eye treatment.
Several eye specialists and other medical volunteers were at hand to assist those who turned up for the treatment.
By Mohamed Hassan
