A driver receiving eye care service in Taita Taveta County.
Residents
and public service vehicle drivers received eye screening, treatment and
refraction services during World Sight Day commemorations held under the theme
“Love Your Eyes.”
The outreach
was supported by The Fred Hollows Foundation through its Australian NGO
Cooperation Program (ANCP), in partnership with county government eye
departments.
Screenings
were conducted at bus stages, toll stations and markets in 22 counties where
the Foundation implements eye health programmes, bringing essential services
closer to communities.
The
commemorations also marked the inauguration of the Eye Health Technical Working
Group, established to strengthen leadership and coordination across Kwale,
Kilifi, Mombasa and Taita Taveta counties. County ophthalmologist and surgeon
Dr Asha Udu said more than 250 people were screened, while eight bilateral
cataract cases were referred for further management.
Dr Asha said
cataract and other eye conditions remained a concern, with some residents
facing difficulties accessing care. Patients requiring further treatment may
have to travel on foot or by boda boda to reach referral services.
The
initiative underscored the importance of regular eye checks in protecting
drivers, passengers and other road users, while highlighting the need for
accessible community eye care that supports timely diagnosis, treatment and
referral.
Among those
who benefited was Adline Ngewe, who welcomed the outreach after going for a
long period without an eye examination. “Consuming meat causes my eyes to
swell, become painful and itchy. I am relieved to have been prescribed
medication which I am confident will be beneficial,” she said.
“This is the
first time this has ever happened since I started driving, and I feel so good
that my eyes have been checked. I would really encourage you to keep doing this
so that drivers can get the help they need. Now that I know I am okay and my
vision is good, let’s make it a routine so that more drivers can get this great
service and understand their vision status.” Brenda, a truck driver.
Drivers were
encouraged to prioritise regular eye check-ups. As they are on the road almost
every day, clear vision is essential for their role, including seeing road
signs, pedestrians, animals and other vehicles.