Lodwar:More than 300 patients received specialized eye care during a five-day free medical camp at Lodwar County Referral Hospital. This initiative is part of the County Government’s efforts to enhance access to prevention and treatment and to increase the cataract surgical rate in the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the camp offered services such as eye examinations, diagnosis, treatment, cataract surgeries, corrective reading glasses, and health education. An outreach program extended to remote areas of Kapua and Kolokol, assessing and referring patients for further care.
Ophthalmic Nurse Martha Asinyen Locham reported that over 50 cataract surgeries were performed, and approximately 30 pairs of reading glasses were prescribed. The camp primarily targeted elderly residents with cataracts, aiming for 100 surgeries over the five days. However, Locham noted that community turnout was lower than expected despite the availability of free services.
County Deputy Eye Coordinator Veronica Etee highlighted that the camp is part of ongoing efforts to increase the county’s cataract surgical rate, which is currently about 900, below the World Health Organization’s recommended threshold of at least 2,000 annually. She emphasized the prioritization of cataract surgery to improve access to specialized eye care.
The initiative was carried out by the County Government in partnership with Lodwar County Referral Hospital, Lighthouse People from Mombasa, and Christian Success International from Meru. Locham assured that medical supplies were sufficient throughout the camp and stated that patients who underwent surgery would return for review in two weeks to monitor recovery and address any complications.
Locham urged residents, especially the elderly and those experiencing declining vision, to seek medical attention early to prevent avoidable visual impairment and enhance their quality of life.
