Nairobi: World Sight Day, observed globally on the 10th of October, was marked in Narok County at Talek Community Health Hospital, drawing numerous residents who volunteered for complimentary eye treatment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event, themed 'Love your eyes', featured various activities such as free cataract surgeries, eye screenings, and treatments for community members facing visual challenges. It also included awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts focusing on eye health within the community. Narok County Eye Care Coordinator David Lekuye urged all residents to prioritize their eye health, highlighting the county government's collaboration with non-state actors to enhance eye health services. This initiative aims to reduce preventable blindness and improve access to affordable and quality eye care for everyone.
The event, supported by the Ministry of Health and Operation Eyesight Universal, targeted all societal members. This effort aligns with the recent initiative by Christian Blind Mission (CBM) through Tenwek Mission Hospital, which aims to provide free eye screening services to every child in the county to minimize instances of vision impairment and avoidable blindness. Furthermore, the program supports the county's dedication to bolstering primary healthcare and ensuring equitable access to quality eye healthcare services.
Narok County Director of Health, Dr. Francis Kiio, remarked on the persistent challenges posed by vision impairment and avoidable blindness, particularly in underserved communities, emphasizing the necessity to strengthen eye care services in the county.