Residents of West Mugirango constituency in Nyamira County have benefited from a week-long free eye checkup courtesy of Morara Apiemi Foundation in collaboration with Douglas Onkeo, Lions eye hospital, Lenax health centre and Light of Hope organization.
Joseph Matoke Onyancha from Sironga village told the press that he has struggled with poor eye sight and other eye related issues for one year and has not managed to visit any health facility for a comprehensive eye checkup because of its unaffordable cost.
“When I learnt about a free eye check up by Apiemi Foundation in collaboration with Lions eye hospital, I quickly grabbed this opportunity and I’m happy because they examined my eye, diagnosed my problem and recommended spectacles which they gave me to improve my poor eyesight all for free,” Matoke explained.
He said that such important services to the vulnerable people right in the villages is what the current leadership has failed to provide, leaving it to the people of goodwill in partnership with other organizations who have realized that gap and are now the ones helping people.
He confirmed that apart from free eye checkup, there was free examination of body pressure and body sugar levels.
“We are very happy and grateful for the Apiemi Foundation in collaboration with Mr. Onkeo and other partners for this well thought out initiative.
Ms. Mary Mosiere from Township ward in Nyamira said she never managed to seek for these services which have been ongoing since Monday this week in selected places within West Mugirango constituency because of her tight work schedule.
“I have travelled all the way from Nyamira town to Kebirigo town to be professionally examined and be prescribed proper eye treatment. I’ve been wearing spectacles and taking non-prescribed painkillers that I buy over the counter while my eye infection keeps on spreading and the cost is no longer tenable. I’ve been examined and medics have done a proper diagnosis for my eye problem,” Ms. Mosiere recounted.
“I remember sometimes last year these same foundations gave out free wheel chairs to people who were stuck at their homes or moved with excruciating difficulty due to their physical disabilities. I really appreciate their leadership as they have remained consistent in their mission of helping us in the community,” Mary remarked.
Mr. Douglas Orutwa, who is part of the team that initiated the programme said they had conducted a successful 5-day exercise of a free eye checkup for west Mugirango residents.
“We have had an overwhelming response from West Mugirango residents and have realized a dire need for eye checkup camps for our people because most of them are fast losing clear eye sight when they are still young and need to be advised to healthy eye care practices.
He confirmed that the one-week camp has realized an overwhelming outcome where over 5000 residents turned up and at least 4000 have been issued with spectacles which indicated that the challenge of sick eyes and poor eyesight is quite high here in Nyamira.
Dr. Augustine Agora from Lions Hospital observed that the challenge of sick eyes in Nyamira region is alarmingly high and a purposeful intervention mechanism needs to be put in place to sensitize people on the importance of proper eye care because it is a very critical body part.
“People should reduce their screen time, avoid smoky kitchens by embracing efficient cooking practices and even reduce eye makeup with concentrated chemical contents,” Dr. Agora advised.
Apiemi Foundation proponent Philemon Apiemi thanked organizations and individuals who agreed to partner with them to address a dire eye health challenge in the community which is in most cases ignored even by those who are affected.
He promised to extend the same free service to other constituencies within the County in the subsequent phases of the programme.
By Deborah Bochere
