Narok County residents have benefited from free eye treatment, where over 150 eye patients receive free cataract surgery while others receive free eye check-ups.
A one-week free surgical camp held in Narok County saw residents get free eye checks and eye surgeries. The free medical camp, which started last week on Wednesday, will come to a close on Sunday.
While speaking at Ololulunga Sub County Hospital, the Coordinator for Centre for Health and Education Programmes (CHEPs) Kenya, Doctor Hamid Alkimiz, said they were expecting to perform over 150 surgeries within two days.
“We had already performed 40 eye surgeries and were expecting to achieve 70 surgeries or more in a day,” added Alkimiz.
Doctor Alkimiz also noted that most of the patients suffering from cataracts have shown that they have stayed with the condition for at least 4 years.
The Rotary Club’s President-elect, Catherine Mutula, said cataracts are a common eye disease in the region.
Mutula encouraged residents to take advantage of the free medical camp to get treated and restore their sight.
A free surgical camp was organised by Rotary clubs Maasai Mara and Enkare-Narok, Nairobi Magharibi, the Surgical Society of Kenya, and the Kenya Society for the Blind in collaboration with Narok County.
John Samante, a relative to a beneficiary, said his patient had suffered eye problems for almost 4 years now, and accessing free treatment was a big relief to him.
“I was being asked to pay Sh. 70,000 for treatment for my patient, which was a challenge to us as a family. I am happy to get this free treatment for my patient without paying anything,” narrated Samante.
Samante urges those with eye problems, such as his patient, to come and get treated for free.
Mzee ole Ntete, a beneficiary, also thanked the organisers of the free medical camp, saying it was a relief to them, especially those who were from vulnerable families.
The surgeries are being carried out at Narok County Referral Hospital, Shepherd’s Hospital, Cottage Hospital, Medicatia Hospital, and the premier care hospital in Narok.
By John Kaleke
