Kilifi County Referral Hospital rolls out free cataract surgeries, screenings
More than 2,000 Kilifi residents have received free eye screening and treatment at Kilifi County Referral Hospital and outreach sites, with over 100 cataract surgeries done and 500 targeted by week’s end.
Several Kilifi residents early this week received free eye treatment at the Kilifi County Referral Hospital, many of them describing years of blurred vision, financial struggles, and fear of going blind.
“I had reached a point where I could barely recognise people unless they stood very close. I did not have the money for surgery, so I just learnt to live with the problem. Today, for the first time in years, I feel hopeful,” said Fatuma Kache, who arrived at the facility with the help of his nephew.
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For Samson Kambi, simple tasks such as tending to his farm had become difficult. “My eyes watered constantly. I had accepted that I might lose my sight completely. When I heard this camp was free, I came immediately.”
A mother of three, Zawadi Nyale, recalled how her deteriorating eyesight had affected her work and family life.
“I could no longer sew or read. Even crossing the road started to scare me. Being examined and knowing that help is available has lifted a huge burden,” said Nyale.
Another resident, Rehema Charo, who was screened, said she had postponed treatment for years because of cost. “I never imagined I would get this chance. They told me I have cataracts and can be operated on this week. I feel like my life is coming back.”
The free eye-care programme, which runs until Friday, is expected to benefit more than 2,000 people across the county.
The initiative offers screenings, surgeries, and follow-up treatment, with many patients already undergoing cataract operations.
Ophthalmologist Dr Geofrey Anaya said cataracts remain one of the main causes of blindness in Kilifi, largely because many residents seek help only after their vision has severely declined.
“We have operated on nearly 5,000 cataract patients over the years, and the need is still very high. Restoring sight gives people back their independence,” said Dr Anaya.
Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Gilbert Angore noted that the programme is not confined to the referral hospital. Teams are travelling to remote villages to screen residents who would otherwise struggle to reach health facilities.
“Ageing and diabetes are the biggest contributors to cataracts here. In the last two weeks alone, we have treated more than 1,000 patients,” he said.
The project is funded by the Fred Hollows Foundation through the Australia NGO Cooperation Program, working in partnership with the Kilifi County Government.
Foundation Communication Officer Mark Maina confirmed that over 2,000 people have already been screened and more than 100 surgeries completed.
“By the end of the week, we expect at least 500 people to have undergone cataract operations,” he said.
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