A total of 400 residents from Rumuruti and neighbouring areas have benefitted from a free eye clinic camp, which was organized by Pankaj Shah Foundation, Lions Sightfirst Eye Hospital Loresho and Laikipia County government.
Laikipia County Health Chief Officer Dr. Donald Mogoi speaking to the media said that, the majority of patients who attended are the elderly, and received cataract surgery and other medication.
“The turn out was quite good. We achieved our target that was slated for cataract surgery. Majority of patients we attended to are the elderly. Noting most women at the grassroots level use firewood in cooking and they are also exposed to dust due to the work they do,” Dr. Mogoi said.
The Chief Officer further said that high blood pressure and Diabetes too contributed to cataract problems to most of the patients.
Ms. Lucy Edung, who brought her mother to Rumuruti Sub county hospital from Sosian ward in Laikipia North said, she lost her eyesight three years ago and she was hopeful her mother will get her sight back after treatment and continue with normal life.
“When I heard an announcement about this medical camp, I was very happy because I knew this would be a turnaround for my mother’s condition,” she said.
She further said three years ago, she was forced to be the sole breadwinner to the family after her mother became blind.
“I take care of my mother because she can’t do anything for herself. When my children go to school, I have to go and look for available menial jobs to support my three children and my ailing mother,” Ms. Edung said.
Paulo Erupe, a patient, is optimistic that he will get his eyesight back. “I am happy that this eye clinic has been brought closer to us. I am sure that I will undergo the surgery and be able to look after my family and livestock,” Erupe said.
By Muturi Mwangi
