In a transformative step toward improving healthcare access in Isiolo County, the Garbatulla Level 4 Hospital has launched a state-of-the-art Eye Unit, poised to provide free eye care services to thousands of residents in Garbatulla Sub-County over the next year.
This milestone, unveiled during a vibrant ceremony, marks a significant collaboration between the Isiolo County Government’s Department of Health Services, Operation Eyesight Universal, and Johnson & Johnson.
The initiative aims to eradicate avoidable blindness and enhance the quality of life for communities long underserved by specialized medical care.
A Vision for Better Health
The newly operational Eye Unit, fully refurbished and equipped with cutting-edge technology, represents a multimillion-shilling investment in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
The facility is designed to deliver comprehensive eye care, addressing conditions ranging from cataracts to trauma-related vision impairments.
The official handover ceremony was attended by key figures, including Isiolo County Chief Officer for Health Services, Ms. Habiba Jirma, and representatives from Operation Eyesight Universal, who underscored the project’s potential to transform lives.
Ms. Habiba, speaking at the event, reaffirmed the county government’s commitment under Governor H.E. Abdi Ibrahim Hassan (Guyo) to prioritize health outcomes for Isiolo residents.
“This ultramodern Eye Unit is a testament to our dedication to bringing quality healthcare closer to the people,” she said.
“We are immensely grateful to Operation Eyesight Universal and Johnson & Johnson for their partnership in making this vision a reality. This facility will play a pivotal role in eliminating avoidable blindness across our county.”
Emphasizing the importance of sustainability, Ms. Habiba called for collective responsibility in safeguarding the advanced equipment to ensure long-term service delivery.
She also urged Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) to spearhead awareness campaigns, encouraging residents to take advantage of the free services now available locally.
“No one should have to travel to Meru or Isiolo town for eye care anymore,” she noted. “This unit brings specialized treatment right to our doorstep, saving families time and money.”
A Collaborative Effort with Proven Impact
Operation Eyesight Universal, a global leader in eye health initiatives, has been instrumental in the project’s success.
Country Director Ms. Caroline Ikumu pledged continued support, stating, “Our collaboration with the Isiolo County Health Department will remain strong. Over the next year, we will monitor the facility’s utilization and explore opportunities for further interventions to meet the community’s needs.”
This commitment underscores the organization’s mission to eliminate avoidable blindness through sustainable healthcare solutions.
The Eye Unit has already demonstrated remarkable impact. Mr. Adan Mohammed, head of the Garbatulla Eye Unit, shared that between April and May 2025, the facility conducted 197 free cataract surgeries for patients aged 50 to 105.
Additionally, 2,335 individuals received treatment for various eye conditions, and approximately 500 free spectacles were distributed.
These achievements highlight the unit’s capacity to address the region’s pressing eye health challenges, driven by factors such as harsh environmental conditions, prolonged sun exposure, trauma, and age-related complications.
Mr. Mohammed also outlined plans to expand services to underserved areas like Sericho Ward and Modogashe, ensuring broader access to vision care.
“Restoring sight to so many individuals has been incredibly rewarding,” he said. “This unit is not just a medical facility—it’s a beacon of hope for our community.”
A Life-Changing Impact for Residents
For many in Garbatulla, the Eye Unit’s services are a lifeline. Harsh environmental conditions, including intense sunlight and dust, have contributed to a high prevalence of eye conditions in the region.
Previously, residents faced significant barriers to accessing specialized care, often requiring costly and time-consuming trips to distant counties. The new facility eliminates these hurdles, offering free, high-quality treatment locally.
One beneficiary, 67-year-old Hussein Mohammed from Kulamawe, shared his story of transformation. “For five years, I struggled with cataracts that dimmed my world,” he said.
“Thanks to the health department and Operation Eyesight Universal, I received surgery at no cost. I can now see clearly again, and I didn’t have to travel far or spend a fortune. I’m truly grateful.”
Hussein’s experience is a powerful testament to the initiative’s impact, offering hope to countless others facing similar challenges.
By providing free surgeries, consultations, and spectacles, the Eye Unit is restoring not only vision but also dignity and independence to residents.
A Model for Sustainable Healthcare
The Garbatulla Eye Unit sets a precedent for collaborative healthcare initiatives in underserved regions.
By combining local government leadership, international partnerships, and community engagement, the project addresses both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.
The emphasis on community awareness, led by CHVs, ensures that residents are informed and empowered to seek care, maximizing the facility’s reach.
As the unit expands its services, it is poised to become a cornerstone of healthcare in Garbatulla Sub-County, potentially serving as a model for other regions.
The partnership’s success also highlights the importance of private-sector involvement, with Johnson & Johnson’s support playing a critical role in equipping the facility with advanced technology.
Looking Ahead
With plans to extend services to additional wards and a commitment to ongoing collaboration, the Garbatulla Eye Unit is set to make a lasting difference in Isiolo County.
For residents, the promise of accessible, high-quality eye care is a step toward a brighter, healthier future. As Ms. Habiba aptly stated, “This is more than a facility—it’s a commitment to our people’s well-being.”
For more information on accessing these free eye care services, residents are encouraged to contact Garbatulla Level 4 Hospital or connect with local Community Health Volunteers.
The initiative stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when vision, partnership, and community come together to transform lives.
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