Scores of residents aged 40 and above in Matsangoni, Kilifi North subcounty, are suffering from eye diseases due to terminal illnesses, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Most of them are unaware that they are suffering from the illnesses, besides eye problems, due to their poor living conditions.
Mephi hospital administrator Rita Mukhongo told a free eye camp at Matsangoni in Kilifi county that more than 250 residents turned up.
“We have booked the patients who require eye surgery and will be attended to in the course of the week at our facility,” she said.
Emmanuel Kazungu Kombe, a resident of Mpenda Kula village in Matsangoni who has suffered from eye problems for 10 years, expressed his joy in having received free treatment during the camp.
Priscar Mapenzi Yaa from Mkongani village of Kararacha in Matsangoni, who accompanied her son to get the services, said she received treatment and spectacles which will help her in day-to-day activities such as reading the Bible.
She said her son also has trouble seeing during the day as too much light affects his vision.
(edited by Amol Awuor)