Laikipia residents with eye problems get free cataract surgery and eye checkups

Nanyuki,

Thursday, August 17, 2023

KNA by Muturi Mwangi

Residents have received free cataract surgery and 800 others free eye check-ups, courtesy of Lions Sight First Eye Hospital.

The Three-Day Eye Clinic held at the Nanyuki Maternal and Nursing Home, saw residents get free eye check-up, glasses and medicine. The medical camp which started, Wednesday, come to a close tomorrow (Friday).

Nanyuki Maternal and Nursing Home proprietor, Dr. Somba Kivungu, said that cataract was a major contributor to blindness and common among people aged 60 years and above.

“Eye sight is very important and without sight, your normal life gets affected. Cataracts are a major threat to losing eyesight and most common among the old people. People should get regular eye check-ups,” advised Dr Kivungu.

Dr. Kivungu revealed that people with diabetes, hypertension, measles, injuries and meningitis among other ailments, were also susceptible to blindness.

The medic further said that Trachoma was common among pastoral communities due to bacterial infections and lack of water, but assured the disease was curable.

Justus Maragara , a Lions Club Member, said that the eye check-up was absolutely free and encouraged residents and neighbouring counties, to take advantage of the free medical camp to get treated .

“Surgeries are still on-going and people are getting treated, it’s free. The services are closer to residents. They don’t have to travel to Loresho in Nairobi for eye treatment,” said Maragara.

Laikipia County Lions Club President, Paul Ringera, appealed to well-wishers to join them in supporting communities through eye medical treatment and alleviates suffering due to lack of financial support for treatment, when they get ill.

“This is a community work and mostly targeting those with eye problems. Like today we had a huge turnout. For this work to be successful it requires a lot of money. Therefore, we call on our leaders to support this noble course,” urged Ringera.

A beneficiary, Jackson Mwangi, said he had suffered eye problems for long and accessing the free treatment was a big relief to him.

“I am happy to get the treatment and I urge those with problems such as mine, to come and get treated,” said Mwangi.

Peter Maina, who had cataract surgery thanked the institution for organizing the free medical camp.

Courtesy ; K. N. A