Kisumu residents benefit from free eye check-up

Kisumu, Wednesday, July 12, 2023

KNA by Albright Medaline / Yvette Obunga

More than 300 patients have benefited from free eye check–up and screening at Kowino health center in Kisumu East Sub County, with referrals to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) for cataract surgery and treatment of severe optical conditions.

The event was organized by the county government of Kisumu in partnership with the Fred Hollow Foundation that allocated a team of specialists from JOOTRH to undertake the noble exercise.

Residents of Nyalenda estate received free consultation and screening for eye-related disorders, where patients with affected eyes were given drugs and eye drops.  

Those who needed cataract-blinding disease surgeries (Glaucoma)which develops when the optic nerves are damaged, were given referrals to JOOTRH.

An Ophthalmic clinician Dr. James Bure from JOOTRH noted that conditions such as diabetes also affect the eye.

He urged the locals to be cautious and seek treatment of the eye in case of any problem.

Dr. Bure cautioned the locals against using the wrong medication in treating the eye, citing the rampant use of ear drops by patients to treat eye problems, which leads to further damage to the eye.

“The people should be careful about the type of drugs they use for the eye, also embrace or seek specialized treatment in case you have eye effects and majorly adopt health insurance like NHIF, which will exempt you from paying fees, especially when admitted for eye procedures,” he said.

The facilitator in charge of Kowino Health Center Enoch Nyatiki noted that in the vast population within the slum of Nyalenda, more than 300 people received free eye screening.

He acknowledged the county government together with organizers for choosing the facility.

“I am happy and I would like to appreciate the county plus the organizers for choosing Kowino for this activity because our indicators on eye were a bit higher, but we could not get the necessary specialists to attend to these cases,” said Nyatiki.

Diana Omoro, one of the beneficiaries of the free clinic, who has been having eye problems received medication after her consultation, thanked the County government and Hollows Foundation for the kind gesture.

“I appreciate the government and the Foundation together with the team for the good work they have done to our community. I was not able to access medication for my eye due to lack of finances, but today I have received medication free of charge,” she said.

Courtesy ;K. N. A