More than 300 residents in Eldoret have benefited from a free eye check-up and awareness campaign organized by Siloam Eye Hospital.

The hospital organized a free medical camp on eye screening and treatment, targeting residents with eye complications who are unable to access regular eye care.

Speaking during the exercise, Eye Specialist Dr. Amos Kiptoo said that during the camp, they screened patients with different eye conditions, including refractive errors, which affect vision and can be corrected to improve sight.

Dr. Kiptoo said that they also screened patients with cataracts and booked them for surgery, noting that many residents have stayed for long without treatment.

“We have patients who develop watery and itchy eyes due to dust and allergies, while others experience blurred vision. I urge them to seek early treatment to avoid complications,” he noted.

He further called on residents to go for regular eye check-ups, noting that early screening helps prevent severe eye conditions and reduces cases of blindness.

Dr. Kiptoo also noted that the hospital accepts Social Health Authority (SHA) cover and other insurance covers.

He raised concern over the rising cases of eye allergies in Uasin Gishu County, saying one out of ten patients seeking eye care suffers from eye allergies caused by dust and other environmental factors.

Globally, he said, about 2.2 billion people suffer from low vision, with 1.2 million cases attributed to cataracts, while in Kenya about 200,000 people are blind.

A beneficiary, Andrew Namtala from Vihiga county in an interview noted that he wasn’t able to read his Bible, but after corrective surgery, he can read it and comfortably identify his family members.

Another beneficiary, a mother from Kiplombe Ward, said her sister had suffered from eye problems for seven years and had been unable to even thread a needle but is now able to see clearly after receiving treatment.

“My sister had eye problems for seven years. She could not even thread a needle or pour tea into a flask, she would pour it on the table. But after the surgery, she got well and now she can see clearly,” said the mother.

by Shaline Jeruto