Thousands of Meru County residents as well as those in neighbouring counties benefited from free eye and diabetes screening at a medical camp organised by North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood in conjunction with the Lions Club of Meru and Hindu Samaj.
The camp that was held at Meru Primary School grounds within Meru Municipality attracted the young and the aged, with others coming from as far as Samburu.
Mr Dawood, while briefing the media, said the attendees will benefit from subsidized eyeglasses and that he has also donated Sh100,000 to cater for medicines for those who will receive prescriptions.
“I am giving an assurance that all those who have attended the camp will be checked, and due to the high number of people who have turned up today, we are looking at the possibility of having these camps every two months.”
“We are also looking into the possibility of establishing an eye hospital in Meru in order to take care of the high number of people with eye problems,” said Mr Dawood.
Dr Peter Ndwiga from the Lion Sight first hospital emphasized on the importance of having regular eye checkups saying this will help doctors deal with emerging problems as early as possible.
“I am calling on our people to avoid buying medicine from chemists whenever they experience a problem with their eyes but instead visit eye specialists for medical advice,” said Dr Ndwiga.
He said cataracts are the most common eye disease, especially among the elderly, and called on residents to ensure that they undergo eye testing regularly.
“Blood sugar, old age, and injuries are the main causes of eye diseases. A few people are born with the problem. I advise people to be careful with the kind of diet they take because some foods cause a rise in blood sugar,” said Dr Ndwiga.
Lions Club International Foundation Coordinator Dr Virod Ramji urged the locals to take advantage of the rare screening exercise and be tested, promising that the exercise will be held on a regular basis.
Ntima West MCA Patrick Ntururu said it was sad that many people who are sick are suffering at home because they cannot afford money for treatment.
He said many are scared of going to hospitals because of the expenses involved and lauded the organisers for holding such an event in the area.
By Dickson Mwiti
