Iten: A total of 320 people have benefited from free eye care treatment during a 2-day medical camp at Iten outreach church in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The exercise was led by Dr. Ralph Dehaan and Dr. Patrick Mugo from Balm Africa and eye care partners’ PC. Patients were issued with free spectacles and medication with one of the patients, Michael Rotich, who had lived for years with eye complications, expressing gratitude for the ability to see and read clearly after receiving treatment.
According to Kenya News Agency, Agness Maiyo, the eye focal person in the county, spoke during the medical camp about her efforts to establish clinics in rural areas to bring eye care services closer to residents. She acknowledged the county government’s support in equipping the region with human resources, including two consultants and adequate health personnel, who provide eye care services at Iten referral hospital.
Dr. Mugo stated that their initiative to offer eye care services in the county began in January last year, with the primary goal of providing medicine and glasses to patients. Although they did not perform surgeries due to time constraints, patients in need of such services were referred to local doctors. Dr. Mugo urged organizations willing to assist people with eye complications to contribute to the cause, expressing hope to help more people in future camps with additional partners.
Dr. Dehaan shared his long-standing involvement with eye care partners in Kenya since 1998, expressing fulfillment from the number of patients he has assisted. Despite not earning much from his services, he finds satisfaction in helping people regain their vision through treatment.