A past eye screening exercise at Marimanti Sub County Hospital in Tharaka Constituency. Photo/Alex Njeru
By Alex Njeru
The Department of Health Services and Sanitation in Tharaka Nithi County will conduct a free screening program for cataracts, aiming to help residents access treatment and restore vision.
According to Starnely Mugambi, a health official, the screenings will be conducted at the various locations in Turima Division.
The exercise will start today at Kiau Primary School, tomorrow at Mugui Primary School and on Friday at Kibunga Health Centre.
On Monday next week, the team will be at Kithioroka Primary School while on Tuesday at Kathuura Primary School.
Residents diagnosed with cataracts will be booked for free surgery at Kibunga Health Centre.
Residents have been urged to spread the word in churches, schools, and communities to ensure as many people as possible benefit from the program.
“This initiative is a great opportunity to help restore sight to those suffering from cataracts,” said a county health official. We encourage everyone with vision problems to attend the screenings,” he said.
The health department assures residents that all services, including screening and surgery, will be provided at no cost.
Cataracts, characterized by the clouding of the eye’s natural lens leading to impaired vision or blindness, have been a significant health concern in Tharaka Nithi County, especially among individuals aged 50 and above.
As of November 2022, the county reported that out of approximately 3,000 residents with eye problems, 300 were diagnosed with cataracts.
To address this issue, the county’s medical team has been performing over 70 cataract surgeries monthly at Chuka County Referral Hospital and Marimanti Level Four Hospital.
In collaboration with organizations like the Fred Hollows Foundation, the county has enhanced its eye care services.
Since 2018, this partnership has facilitated the establishment of a specialized eye treatment unit at Chuka County Referral Hospital, conducting at least 50 cataract surgeries monthly.
Additionally, starting January 2023, a program was launched to screen all primary and secondary school learners for eye problems, aiming for early detection and treatment.
Furthermore, free medical camps have been organized to extend eye care services to underserved communities.
For instance, in July 2022, over 500 residents benefited from a camp offering eye check-ups, treatments, and surgeries, organized by ASA International Kenya Limited in collaboration with Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital.
These concerted efforts underscore Tharaka Nithi County’s commitment to combating cataract-induced blindness and improving the overall eye health of its residents.
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