Residents of Embu County have been urged to undergo regular eye examinations after a free screening exercise revealed that half of the 300 people examined had eye conditions requiring spectacles.
Speaking after the Friday screening clinic organised by Consolata Hospital Kyeni in partnership with Lions Eyesight Clinic, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Obed Njamura, said routine eye checkups were essential in detecting vision problems early and preventing complications that could lead to avoidable sight loss.
Njamura urged residents not to wait until they experienced symptoms before seeking medical attention, saying regular health examinations could help identify conditions at an early stage and facilitate timely treatment.
“People should not only seek medical attention when they feel unwell. Regular checkups are important even when one has no obvious symptoms,” he said.
The CEO disclosed that two patients examined during the exercise were found to require surgery and would undergo the procedures free of charge through the partnership between Consolata Hospital Kyeni and Lions Eyesight First Hospital.
He said the hospital was also engaging more partners to expand access to affordable healthcare, particularly for disadvantaged members of the community who may struggle to meet the cost of medical services.
Njamura said the hospital’s partnership programmes would not be limited to eye care, but would also cover other essential health services as part of efforts to improve access to quality healthcare in the community.
Meanwhile, nutritionist Maureen Muturi encouraged residents to maintain a balanced diet to support healthy eyesight. She recommended foods including sweet potatoes, carrots and eggs as part of a nutritious diet that contributes to good eye health.
Beneficiaries of the free screening exercise welcomed the initiative, saying it had enabled them to access eye services that some could otherwise not afford. They called for more similar medical camps to reach a wider population, particularly people from low-income households.
Consolata Hospital Kyeni, a Level 5 referral facility owned by the Diocese of Embu, continues to serve communities in Embu and beyond by providing specialised and other essential healthcare services.
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