Machakos County, in collaboration with Sight Savers, has celebrated World Sight Day by launching a free eye medical camp, aimed at promoting early detection and addressing preventable blindness.
Speaking during the launch, the Chief Officer for Public Health, Mwako Simba, announced that the eye outreach clinic is currently covering 5 sub-counties and will go up to all 9 sub-counties for the next two years ensuring that no community is left behind.
Mwako highlighted that rising eye-related cases in local hospitals indicate significant eye complications in the area, compelling the county to seek support from Sight Savers for the next two years.
“Machakos residents are encouraged to attend outreach events in large numbers, with advance notices provided to allow preparation,” he said.
Additionally, the Chief Officer disclosed plans for the Department of Health to establish a 24-hour eye care shop at Machakos Referral Hospital, where residents will access free consultations and acquire spectacles and essential medicines, marking a pivotal step in addressing preventable blindness and improving healthcare access.
Consequently, residents have been encouraged to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) for access to a wider range of health services including surgeries without any financial burden.
Additionally, Mwako assured that hospitals in the county were fully stocked with medicines.
On the other hand, Sight Savers remain fully dedicated in collaborating with local health officials for sustainable impact while providing free spectacles and treatment to community members in need during outreach programmes.
By Ann Wangui and Mary Wavinya
