Australian High Commissioner to Kenya Jenny Da Rin has hailed strides achieved in improving eye health in Homa Bay county through a partnership of the Fred Hollows Foundation and the county government of Homa Bay.
She noted that the partnership has enabled the treatment of over 10,000 patients with 400 cataract surgeries annually at the Eye Unit in Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The programme is supported by The Fred Hollows Foundation through funding from the Australian Government.
The High Commissioner spoke today when she visited the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital Eye Clinic.
The visit provided the High Commissioner with a firsthand view of the impact of the eye health programme and an opportunity to engage directly with patients receiving sight‑restoring services.
It also highlighted the progress achieved through more than a decade of collaboration between the County Government and The Fred Hollows Foundation to strengthen eye care services across Homa Bay County.
The diplomat praised the partnership as a strong example of sustainable, locally led development.
“What we are seeing here is the power of long‑term collaboration, where investment in people, systems and leadership delivers change for communities.” She said.
Da Rin added that the Australian government was proud to support a programme that not only restores sight but also strengthens the health system for the future.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Grace Osewe said a programme that began as an emergency response to limited access to eye care and high levels of avoidable blindness has evolved into a fully integrated public eye health service.
She noted that through the partnership, the Eye Unit has significantly expanded its capacity to deliver essential services, including cataract surgeries and treatment for other eye conditions.
Ms Osewe said Continuous training of ophthalmologists, nurses, community health workers, and biomedical technicians has strengthened the local workforce, ensuring services are delivered seamlessly.
County Eye Coordinator Dr Francis Ochieng said they were no longer dependent on external support to sustain eye care services.
He said that the partnership is about ensuring that quality eye care is available today and for generations to come.
The Coordinator said over the past five years, the programme has contributed to improved health‑seeking behaviour and increased access to quality eye care, with more than 1,049 successful eye surgeries conducted and over 7,000 residents reached through complementary eye care services.
He said a major milestone has been the integration of eye care services into national health insurance and county financing mechanisms, improving sustainability while continuing to protect access for vulnerable patients.
CECM Health, Grace Osewe, reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding services and addressing emerging challenges such as diabetic eye disease.
She said the High Commissioner’s visit demonstrated the value of trust‑based, long‑term partnerships and showcased a proven model that can be replicated across other counties and health programmes in Kenya.
By Davis Langat
