Kaimosi: Kaimosi Friends University, through its Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, has intensified community health interventions in Vihiga County with free eye screening and treatment outreaches that have benefited more than 282 learners and residents in one week. Led by optometrist Phenard Odero, the University’s School of Health Sciences team conducted a comprehensive eye care exercise at Stanley Godia JSS and Secondary School in Hamisi Sub-county.
According to Kenya News Agency, more than 200 community members were screened. Nine people received free prescription spectacles, 167 people were issued with free eye medication for conditions such as infections and allergies, and six cases with cataracts and other complex conditions were referred to County and Referral hospitals for specialized care. The outreach moved to Givogi Primary School on May 29, 2026, where a total of 82 learners were examined, treated, and educated on eye hygiene. Several pupils who had been struggling to read the chalkboard or textbooks were fitted with spectacles for the first time.
Teachers noted that the intervention came at the right time since schools were preparing for national assessments. Odero, the lead optometrist, highlighted that poor vision is a silent barrier to learning. Many children are labeled ‘slow learners’ when the real issue is that they simply cannot see, and by correcting vision early, retention and performance are directly improved.
The University identified refractive errors, infections, and allergic conjunctivitis as the most common eye problems recorded during the county outreaches. Officials mentioned that the programme combines clinical service with health education, teaching learners and parents basic eye care, the importance of regular checkups, and the dangers of self-medication.
Odero stated that the ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative is already transforming lives in Vihiga, Kakamega, Migori, and Homa Bay counties. Through eye screening, diagnosis, treatment, and referrals, the programme is helping restore sight, improve learning outcomes, and enhance quality of life for hundreds of beneficiaries. Beyond service delivery, the exercise also served as practical training for Kaimosi Friends University optometry students. Odero emphasized that their students are gaining hands-on experience in patient assessment, refraction, dispensing, and community health education under supervision.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), uncorrected refractive errors affect 12 million children aged 5-15 globally and contribute to poor school performance. Locally, Vihiga County health officials have cited limited access to eye care services as a challenge, especially in rural subcounties like Hamisi. The University reaffirmed its commitment to align training, research, and innovation with community needs and noted that plans are underway to expand the outreach to more primary and secondary schools, as well as market centers in the next phase.
