Children in Narok County are set to benefit from free eye screening, aimed at minimizing cases of vision impairment and avoidable blindness.
The exercise is sponsored by Christian Blind Mission (CBM), and implemented by Tenwek Mission Hospital; with a target of reaching to all children aged below 18 years old in a period of five years.
Speaking during the first County Eye Care Technical Task Force meeting, Narok County Director of Health Dr. Francis Kiio said the taskforce will provide strategic leadership, technical guidance, and coordination for eye care initiatives.
He reiterated that the program will align with the county’s commitment to enhancing primary healthcare and achieving equitable access to quality eye healthcare services.
Dr. Kiio, who chaired the meeting noted that 80 percent of blindness is preventable if early screening is done as some of the conditions that cause blindness can be easily managed if detected early.
The exercise will begin with a pilot program at five locations in Narok West and Narok South Sub counties targeting 5, 407 children, before it is rolled out to the entire county.
“Vision impairment and avoidable blindness continue to pose significant public healthcare challenges, particularly in underserved communities. There is a need to strengthen eye care in the county,” continued Dr. Kiio.
The meeting that was held at the County Director of Health office at the County Referral Hospital brought together officers from the Public Health department, County Ophthalmologist, County Nursing Officer, County health records officer, County Pharmacist, Officer from the department of water and education.
Also present were officials from the Tenwek Mission Hospital and a representative of Persons with Disability (PWDs) in the county.
Narok Director of Public Health Edward Tinkoi underscored the need to bring all health stakeholders on board to achieve the target of reaching to all children in the county.
“Community Health Partners (CHPs) should be trained on primary eye care so that they can be able to advise the caregivers in the villages,” he said.
Raymond Ngeno from Tenwek Hospital said the screening will be done free of charge and children found with complications will be referred to the County referral hospital and Tenwek hospital for treatment.
He advised all parents to ensure their children are registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) for smooth treatment in case of a major complication.
By Ann Salaton
