Kakamega:Hundreds of residents and public transport operators in Kakamega town have benefited from a free eye clinic held in commemoration of World Sight Day.
According to Kenya News Agency, the clinic was made possible through a collaboration involving the Kakamega 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. The initiative primarily targeted public transport operators to enhance their eye health and improve road safety in Kenya.
Stephen Wandei, the Kakamega County Director of Medical Services, emphasized the initiative’s positive impact on health and road safety. He noted that better vision among drivers would significantly reduce road accidents. The event, themed ‘Ona vizuri, Safiri Salama,’ aimed to provide ongoing eye care services to operators beyond the one-day clinic.
Jerusha Chege from Operation Eyesight Universal highlighted that the Vision Impact Project, funded by CBM, ensures beneficiaries receive necessary interventions such as spectacles and medication. She stressed the importance of addressing refractive errors to improve eyesight.
Evans Wanda from the National Transport and Safety Authority pointed out the crucial role of eyesight in driving, stating that a significant percentage of road accidents are due to human error, with decisions largely dependent on vision. He encouraged public transport operators to utilize the free screenings and address any eye issues identified.
Austin Ajevi, the County Ophthalmologist, urged residents to undergo regular eye screenings and seek medical help for vision issues. He revealed that the County General Teaching and Referral Hospital will continue offering eye screening services to promote better eye health.
Local transport operators, including matatu driver James Imbiakha and boda-boda rider Timothy Ashono, praised the initiative. They emphasized the importance of regular eye checks to prevent accidents and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address eye problems without incurring high costs.
