The Embu County Health Department has raised concerns over the troubling increase in the number of drivers experiencing poor vision, especially double vision.
The County Vision Impact Project (VIP) Coordinator Daniel Kiige warned that this rise in these cases poses a severe threat to road safety if left unaddressed.
Speaking during a free eye medical camp in Embu Town during this year’s World Sight Day celebrations, Kiige regretted that many motorists were operating on the roads without routine eye examinations.
The initiative, which primarily targeted Public Service Vehicles (PSV) drivers, brought together eye health professionals, who screened them for various eye-related conditions like double vision that impairs their driving.
He expressed concern that a majority of drivers rarely seek eye check-ups unless they begin experiencing serious problems with their vision.
“ As a driver, if you cannot see five vehicles parked ahead of you, then it simply means you have a problem with your sight. Kindly have your eyes checked,” he stated.
The coordinator said regular eye examinations among drivers were necessary, insisting that they play a critical role in ensuring the safety of passengers and other road users.
Kiige said drivers require good vision to identify road signs, pedestrians, other vehicles and potential hazards, especially when driving at night or under difficult weather conditions.
He urged motorists to make eye examinations part of their routine health checks, saying early detection of vision problems could help prevent accidents and improve road safety.
On her part, County Health Promoter, Pauline Nginyo, said the free eye screening was part of the county government’s strategy to address eye-related problems among residents.
Nginyo encouraged residents of Embu County to undergo regular eye examinations, noting that many eye conditions can be detected and managed early when people seek medical attention.
She further urged members of the public not to wait until they experience severe vision problems before visiting health facilities for eye check-ups.
John Mwaniki, a driver with Neno Sacco who benefited from the free screening, welcomed the initiative, saying motorists often face eye-related challenges due to the nature of their work and the long hours they spend on the road.
Mwaniki called for more eye screening programmes targeting drivers, saying regular check-ups would help motorists maintain good vision and ultimately contribute to safer roads in Embu and beyond.
By Samuel Waititu
