Kajiado north: Residents of Kajiado North sub-county have been asked not to ignore signs such as severe headaches and discomfort around the eyes. An ophthalmic nurse at the Ngong Hospital, Mary Sialo, spoke during celebrations to commemorate World Sight Day, held annually on the second Thursday of October. She emphasized the importance of taking good care of eyesight.
According to Kenya News Agency, Sialo appreciated the world for setting aside a day to celebrate sight and honor the efforts of opticians and ophthalmic nurses in addressing eye problems. She highlighted that children are the most affected group, expressing concern over parental ignorance regarding regular checkups. Sialo urged parents to take every eye problem seriously to prevent severe issues.
Sialo encouraged residents in Kajiado North to avail themselves of affordable eye checkups. She mentioned that at Ngong Hospital, treatment fees range from Sh100 to Sh500, and she called on the government to employ more personnel to support eye health.
Arnold Gacari, a myopic individual, shared his experience of being diagnosed with myopia in high school eight years ago. He has been wearing spectacles since then, which he says have significantly changed his life. Gacari acknowledged the importance of World Sight Day in raising awareness about eye conditions and the value of good eyesight.
Baus Optical Company also promoted eye health by offering free eye tests. Elizabeth Wambui, an attendant at Baus Optical, emphasized the importance of eye tests for providing feedback, prescriptions, and advice. Wambui noted that most clients are female and encouraged men to prioritize their eye health. She mentioned that spectacles at their facility range from Sh3,500 for both frames and lenses.
In Kenya, an estimated 7.5 million people require eye care, with prevalent issues including cataracts, refractive errors, and allergies like conjunctivitis. Cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors remain the leading causes of blindness and severe visual impairment, particularly among older populations. Government initiatives, such as the Vision Impact Programme, aim to enhance access to care through community health workers and technology.
The 2025 World Sight Day was marked under the theme: Love Your Eyes.
