More than 300 residents in Kisii have received free eye medical services courtesy of Kisii Eye Hospital, as the facility marked World Sight Day.

Speaking to the press on Thursday at the facility in Nyanchwa Estate in Kisii town, Kisii Eye Hospital Director, Dr. Dan Kiage, emphasised the importance of an annual professional eye check-up, saying it is a vital step in preventing vision impairment.

‘As eye specialists, we would like to call upon the public to come for free eye check-ups and surgery, and I am advising against people sharing eyeglasses since individuals have different eye conditions,’ he said.

Dr. Kiage also highlighted the link between conditions like diabetes and eye problems and called upon the residents to prioritise regular eye examinations.

He said that with collaboration from the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) and community health organisations, eye complications could be managed among the locals of the county.

Operation Eyesight Universal Programme Coordinator, Eunice Mwihaki, noted they have been in collaboration with Kisii Eye Hospital to establish vision centres to provide eye check-ups for up to 60,000 individuals.

In addition to these check-ups, Operation Eyesight Universal offers support in the form of spectacles and essential medication to those in need.

The organisation’s primary mission is to combat blindness and promote overall eye health.

Mwihaki pointed out that these joint efforts are aimed at making a significant impact on preserving the vision and well-being of the local population.

On his part, Vision Spring Representative Patrick Mburu outlined their commitment to providing spectacles to all individuals with eye problems by the year 2050.

Mburu said their programme offers eyeglasses at an affordable price and ensures accessibility for those in need.

Kisii County’s Chief Officer for Medical Services, Gladys Aminga, who attended the function, lauded Kisii Eye Hospital and encouraged the residents to turn up for eye screening.

Aminga noted that the county is willing to incorporate private partnerships to support medical camps at the grassroots and ensure a healthy lifestyle for residents.

Source: Kenya News Agency