Residents of Kajiado North sub county have been asked not to ignore signs such as severe headaches and discomfort around the eyes.
An ophthalmic nurse at the Ngong Hospital, Mary Sialo, speaking during celebrations to commemorate the World Sight Day, held annually on the second Thursday of October, said people tend to take for granted the fact that eyesight is very important and that they need to take good care of their eyes.
Speaking to KNA, Sialo appreciated the world for setting aside a day to celebrate sight and also honour what opticians and ophthalmic nurses do to ensure that eye problems are addressed.
The ophthalmic nurse explained that children were the most affected, decrying ignorance by parents who don’t take their children for regular checkups.
“Parents should up their game in terms of ensuring that they take every eye problem seriously to avoid more serious eye problems,” he reiterated.
Sialo called upon residents in Kajiado North to go for eye checkups that remain affordable.
“Here at Ngong Hospital, the treatment fee ranges from Sh100 to Sh500,” she said, urging the government to support eye health by employing more personnel.
Arnold Gacari, a myopic victim (not being able to see far), was diagnosed with this eye problem, while in high school, eight years ago.
Ever since, he has had to wear spectacles, which he says have changed his life. Watching content, being passed easily by details and passing the ball, while playing football are some of the challenges that Gacari said he used to experience
He appreciated World Sight Day, saying the day is very important and should be able to remind Kenyans to be more aware of eye conditions that exist and why good sight should be a gift.
Baus Optical Company has also encouraged people to go for eye tests, a service they offer free of charge in order to promote healthy eyesight.
Elizabeth Wambui, an attendant at Baus Optical, said that it is only when the test is done that they give feedback and prescriptions and advise on what one should do, urging all to honor World Sight Day by taking care of their eyesight.
“We receive an average of five to ten clients a day, and the majority of our clients are females. We urge men to also up their game and ensure they take good care of their eyesight. Our spectacles range from Sh3,500 for both frames and lenses, depending on the client’s problem or prescription,” she said.
In Kenya, an estimated 7.5 million people need eye care, with common issues including cataracts, refractive errors, and allergies like conjunctivitis (red eye).
Cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors are the primary causes of blindness and severe visual impairment, especially in older populations and government efforts are underway to improve access to care through programs like the Vision Impact Programme, which uses community health workers and technology to screen for and treat eye problems.
The 2025 World Sight Day was marked under the theme: Love Your Eyes.
By Anne Wambui
