A collaborative effort between the Kirinyaga County Government, Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), and the Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) has brought much-needed eye care to the region.

Over a three-day medical camp held at Kimbimbi Sub-county Hospital, more than 1500 residents with eye complications received free treatment and surgeries.

This initiative comes amid growing concern from medics about a rise in eye problems within the Mount Kenya region.

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation George Karoki linked this trend to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer, and hypertension.

"This particular trend of rise in non-communicable diseases is causing a big problem of the eye," said Karoki.

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"We are very grateful for this particular support from these organizations because it has helped us reach out to more people who had not gotten treatment for eye problems."

The camp provided a range of services, including consultations, medications, free eyeglasses, and most significantly, cataract surgeries.

Thirty-six patients received cataract surgery, a procedure that removes clouding of the lens of the eye, restoring vision.

One such patient, a resident who had lived with cataracts in both eyes for five years, finally regained clear vision after the surgery.

Governor Anne Waiguru's commitment to healthcare improvement was highlighted by Karoki.

He pointed to the establishment of a state-of-the-art eye unit at the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital as a testament to this focus.

"We have invested in establishing a state-of-the-art eye clinic complete with staff, an ophthalmologist, and a fully equipped theatre for eye problems," he added.

The importance of early detection was emphasized by Karoki, who urged residents to undergo regular eye checkups.

Early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment and prevents further complications.

The Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) lauded the county's efforts to provide specialized eye care, aiming to eliminate avoidable blindness.

KSB Chief Executive Officer Samson Waweru applauded the establishment of the eye unit at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, eliminating the need for residents to travel to Nairobi for such treatment.

Waweru pointed out the concerning statistic that 10 million Kenyans are at risk of blindness, with 85-90 per cent of these cases treatable through early screening.

He identified uncorrected refractive errors, cataracts, trachoma, and lifestyle diseases as the leading causes of blindness in the country.

"The statistics of visually impaired people according to the 2019 census stands at 334,000 legally blind individuals across the country," stated Waweru.

"But the concerning statistics from the Ministry of Health is that 10 million Kenyans could wake up tomorrow to find themselves blind. This means that one out of every four Kenyans could face blindness, which is why this medical camp is crucial, as 85-90 per cent of these cases are treatable."

Participating in the camp as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts was the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).

While their primary focus is rural electrification, REREC Board Director Mark Nderitu explained their involvement as a way to give back to the community.

Nderitu highlighted REREC's electrification projects in the region, targeting over 15,500 households across nine counties in the Mount Kenya area.

Within Kirinyaga County itself, they have 20 projects aiming to electrify 1,250 households.

Expanding access to electricity, according to Nderitu, will contribute to improved health outcomes by reducing reliance on firewood and kerosene for cooking and lighting.

Studies have linked inhaling smoke from these sources to respiratory diseases, birth complications, eye problems, and heart disease.

The camp's success was evident in the stories of residents like Lydia Mugo, a 78-year-old from Mwea East.

"I have never seen a free eye medical camp offering surgeries. We are thankful to have these free services through the Kirinyaga County Government and REREC. I have been attended to and my eyes can now see clearly!"

Another resident, Stephen Njeru from Kanjo Sub-location, shared a similar sentiment.

"I had cataract issues and needed surgery and medication. I struggled for over 3 years and was told I needed Sh70,000 for treatment. Yesterday, I came to this medical camp, had the surgery done for free and now though the eye hasn’t healed completed, I have started seeing clearly images than before. I can see well, and the problem is gone. I am grateful,"

This medical camp has not only restored sight to many in Kirinyaga County, but it has also highlighted the importance of accessible healthcare and collaborative efforts in addressing critical health issues.