Mombasa: Over 400 residents of Chaani in Changamwe Sub-County participated in a free eye clinic event, sponsored by Focus Container Freight Station (CFS). Community Health Promoters collaborated with Lions Medical Eye and Laser Centre to bring much-needed eye care to vulnerable residents afflicted with a range of eye ailments.
According to Kenya News Agency, Inderjeet Main, Vice Governor of the Lion Club Mombasa, revealed plans to address minor eye issues and distribute necessary medications to the affected residents. Furthermore, ten individuals diagnosed with cataracts are set to receive advanced treatment and surgery at the Lion Centre. Main expressed his gratitude towards Focus CFS for their sponsorship and commitment to making the outreach a regular occurrence in the constituency.
In a show of support, Mombasa Cement Company has agreed to provide free transportation for the patients scheduled for cataract surgeries. The initiative underscores the importance of regular eye checkups, especially for children, to help improve their academic performance. Main emphasized the availability of free annual eye checkups for children at the Lion Centre and mentioned that any costs for glasses would remain minimal due to the centre's not-for-profit status.
Yusuf Swaleh, the Security and CSR Manager at Focus CFS, described the overwhelming community response, noting that the turnout exceeded their initial target of 400 participants. The success has encouraged plans to hold these clinics every six months. Swaleh stated, "The community is demanding the clinics," highlighting the significant demand for such medical services.
Beneficiaries of the clinic, such as Kambua Wambua and Emily Mweke, expressed their gratitude. Wambua, who suffered from itchy eyes and headaches, praised the initiative, while Mweke was thrilled to receive treatment, glasses, and a referral for surgery. "It would have cost me a lot of money. I thank all the organisations that made this possible," Mweke said.
The local Area Chief, Ben Valasa, urged residents to register with the Social Health Authority to access treatment across health facilities. He emphasized the government's commitment to reducing the need for patients to seek treatment at major hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital or abroad.