Eldoret:Healthcare workers, partners, and members of the public participated in activities on Thursday as Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) celebrated World Sight Day 2026. The event, held under the global theme “Love Your Eyes – Penda Macho Yako,” emphasized the importance of good vision for road safety.
According to Kenya News Agency, the celebrations were organized in partnership with the Uasin Gishu County Government, the World Council of Optometry, and the Optometrists Association of Kenya. The day began with an awareness walk from the MTRH grounds, officially flagged off by Dr. Andrew Wandera on behalf of the hospital’s CEO, Dr. Philip Kirwa.
Dr. Wandera addressed participants, highlighting the necessity of incorporating eye examinations into routine healthcare, akin to checking blood pressure or blood sugar. He stressed that early detection and timely treatment could prevent most avoidable vision loss cases, urging Kenyans to regularly check their eyes.
He expressed gratitude to partners for their support, particularly acknowledging collaborations with the Council of Ophthalmologists of East, Central and Southern Africa (COECSA), which have enhanced access to quality eye care. Dr. Wandera noted that MTRH offers free cataract screening and surgery, as well as specialized services like corneal transplantation.
A significant focus of this year’s observance was the transport sector. MTRH, alongside the Uasin Gishu County Department of Health, conducted free eye screenings at major bus parks in Eldoret City, providing additional vision assessments for public service vehicle operators.
Dr. James Bett, Head of Ophthalmology at MTRH, emphasized the connection between clear vision and road safety. He pointed out the critical reliance of transport system workers, such as drivers and conductors, on good eyesight, while acknowledging the prevalent eye conditions in communities and the shortage of eye-care professionals.
Dr. Bett reiterated the hospital’s commitment to reaching more people through partnerships and community outreach to prevent unnecessary blindness and enhance road safety. MTRH officials stated that the World Sight Day activities are part of the hospital’s larger commitment to preventive healthcare, specialized services, and patient-centered care, aiming to foster healthier communities and reduce road accidents linked to poor vision.
