Hundreds of residents and public transport operators within Kakamega town have benefitted from a free-eye clinic in commemoration of World Sight Day.
The free clinic, courtesy of a partnership between the county government, CBM, Operation Eyesight Universal, Sightsavers, the Optometrists Association of Kenya, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and the National Transport and Safety Authority, mainly targeted public transport operators in a bid to improve their eye health and promote safety in the Kenyan roads.
Speaking during the exercise at Muliro Gardens, Kakamega County Director of Medical Services Stephen Wandei said the initiative is a major boost to the health and roads sectors, noting that improved vision among public service vehicle drivers, tuk-tuk and boda-boda operators will immensely minimise accidents in the roads.
He said the exercise, held under the theme “Ona vizuri, Safiri Salama”, would go beyond the one-day event by linking operators with eye care services within the county.
“We want to ensure that our public transport operators get screened so that when they are riding that boda-boda, driving a tuk-tuk or a matatu, they are able to clearly see the road, the obstacles and the road signs.” He said.
Wandei stated that eye care is an important component of road safety, and it will help protect the operators, the passengers and other road users from accidents associated with poor vision.
Jerusha Chege from Operation Eyesight Universal, which is implementing the Vision Impact Project with funding from CBM, said beneficiaries of the screening exercise will receive appropriate intervention, including prescribed spectacles and medication where necessary.
She said, “We want them to know the status of their eyesight so that they are given the right medication and the right intervention they need for improved eyesight.
“We are also focusing on refractive errors. Anybody who has a refractive error will be able to receive a pair of glasses prescribed for them so that they can be able to see properly.”
National Transport and Safety Authority Representative Evans Wanda said the eyesight plays a pivotal role in driving and riding, as most operators rely on their eyes to identify pedestrians, other motorists and obstacles on the road.
He disclosed that the authority’s statistics indicate that between 25 and 30 per cent of road crashes are attributed to human error, noting that 90 per cent of the decisions made by drivers originate from their eyes.
He urged public service transport operators to take advantage of the free screening exercises and follow up on any eye problems identified by the health workers.
The County Ophthalmologist Austin Ajevi urged residents to undergo regular eye screening and seek medical attention whenever they experience vision problems, disclosing that the County General Teaching and Referral Hospital will continue providing eye screening services to members of the public through its eye clinic to promote better eye health.
He revealed that an estimated 30 per cent of the population in a set-up like Kakamega could possibly have eye problems; hence, regular screening is important for early detection and treatment.
Jevi advised residents using firewood for cooking to ensure adequate ventilation, while those exposed to smoke, dust and other irritants should always protect their eyes.
He called on boda-boda riders and welders to always use appropriate protective gear to prevent eye injuries.
James Imbiakha, a matatu driver, said regular eye screening is important for all drivers because poor eyesight increases the risk of being involved in road accidents.
He said drivers need to ensure their eyesight is properly checked, and where a problem is detected, they should acquire prescribed glasses.
Timothy Ashono, a boda-boda rider in Kakamega Town, lauded sponsors of the free eye clinic, saying he will be able to appropriately seek treatment for his one eye that has been problematic ever since it was injured by robbers.
Reuben Khalusi, another beneficiary, said he attended the exercise after experiencing excessive tearing whenever he is exposed to sunlight or reading.
He said the free exercise has provided an opportunity to those who were avoiding visiting the hospitals for eye check-ups due to fear of the cost involved.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait and Annlinda Simiyu
