Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County| A total of 320 residents received free eye care treatment during a two-day medical camp held at Iten Outreach Church, bringing much-needed relief to individuals suffering from various eye conditions.
The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Ralph Dehaan and Dr. Patrick Mugo from Balm Africa in collaboration with Eye Care Partners PC.
The outreach program aimed to provide critical eye care services, including free spectacles, medication, and consultations to residents who have long struggled with vision problems.
One of the beneficiaries, Michael Rotich, expressed his gratitude after receiving treatment, stating that he had endured years of vision impairment but could now see and read clearly for the first time in a long time.
Call for More Eye Care Services in Rural Areas
Speaking at the event, Agness Maiyo, the Eye Care Focal Person in Elgeyo Marakwet County, emphasized the need to establish more eye clinics in rural areas to ensure residents can easily access eye care services.
She acknowledged the county government’s role in staffing healthcare facilities with adequate personnel, including two eye care consultants at Iten Referral Hospital, which has significantly improved service delivery.
Expanding Access to Eye Treatment
Dr. Patrick Mugo highlighted that their mission, which began in January last year, is centered on providing glasses and medication to patients in need.
However, due to time constraints during the camp, eye surgeries were not conducted, and patients requiring surgical intervention were referred to local specialists for further treatment.
Dr. Mugo urged other organizations to join in supporting people with eye complications, stressing that the need for specialized eye care services remains high.
He expressed optimism about expanding their outreach efforts in future camps and hopes to bring in more partners to extend their reach.
A Legacy of Giving Sight
Dr. Ralph Dehaan, a long-time advocate for accessible eye care in Kenya, shared his passion for serving communities, stating that he has been involved in similar initiatives since 1998.
Despite the financial challenges of running such programs, he finds immense fulfillment in seeing the joy of patients who regain their sight after treatment.
“As much as this work doesn’t pay much, the reward is in witnessing people’s lives change when they can see again,” Dr. Dehaan noted.
The eye care camp marked yet another milestone in improving eye health accessibility in the region.
Organizers remain committed to expanding the initiative and ensuring that more residents receive the gift of sight in the future.
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