Case of blindness in Northeastern worrying, eye specialist warns

The high prevalence of blindness and eye problems in Northeastern is worrying, an eye specialist has warned.

Speaking on Tuesday in Masalani town, Garissa, during the last day of a one-week  eye treatment outreach carried out by Safe Surgical Aid, Dr Leiyan Sempeiyo, an eye surgeon who led the team, said the government should prioritise eye primary healthcare for residents.

Dr Sempeiyo said the biggest problem associated with cataract, which was the most common eye problem in the area, was old age but said other factors such as environment also contributed.

Other contributing factors include cancer, trauma, diabetes, and accidents.

He said primary healthcare intervention was necessary to arrest the situation before it worsens.

According to statistics, Northeastern’s prevalence currently stands at 1.6 per cent, while in the rest of the county it is between 0.5 and 0.7 per cent.

County statistics show there are over 20,000 people with visual impairment and who need interventions.

“Majority of the patients we receive in this region always complain of cataract and glaucoma whether they are adults or children. This is of great concern to us as eye surgeons,” she said.

Safe Surgical Aid secretary general  Ali Bashir said they partnered with Kuwait Horizon Charity Society in the medical camp.

He said the number of those in need of the services was overwhelming and help is needed.

“It is my humble appeal to other like-minded NGOs to visit this parts of the country, the numbers of those who need this services are overwhelming.  This is partly due to high levels of poverty where not many can afford transport and treatment,” he said.

The nearest hospital that offers the services is the Garissa County Referral Hospital which is 150kms away from Masalani town.

In a previous interview, Health executive Roble Nuno said the country was investing in primary healthcare and significant improvement had been noted.

“As much as we are looking at the secondary interventions. There is need to look at the primary interventions as an important component. This includes ensuring the people have enough knowledge such as ensuring children do not have vitamin A deficiency,” he said.

During the eye clinic, 476 people were screened, with 200 with the condition treated. The rest were given medication and eyeglasses.

Zulekha Said, 25, a beneficiary of the programme could not hide her joy after regaining her eyesight.

“One of my eyes lost sight when I was eight years after I was hit with a stone while playing. I have been forced to live with this until today when these good Samaritans came to my aid. I thank God for this,”  Zulekha said.

-Edited by SKanyara