Hundreds of people, mainly the elderly, were screened for various eye-related ailments during a free eye camp held at Kikoboza Primary School in Kyabatalya Parish, Buhimba Sub-county, Kikuube district.
The camp, organised to provide free treatment to those suffering from eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and allergies,among others, also aimed to raise awareness about diseases that cause vision loss.
In addition to free consultations, the camp offered free eyeglasses and, for those with minor conditions, prescribed eye drops at a subsidised cost.
The event was organised by the Itaza Development Foundation in partnership with the Office of the Area Member of Parliament (MP) for Buhaguzi East, Stephen Aseera Rwa Itaza.
Speaking to The Albertine Journal, Itaza explained that the camp was a way of giving back to the community.
He noted that many residents struggle to afford medical care due to their low incomes. Through his office, he lobbied for support from various sponsors, including DFCU Bank, PostBank Uganda, Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Mengo Hospital, Charity Vision, Indo-Africa, and Tata Uganda.
“There was an urgent need for this intervention. In the past, many have lost their sight due to a lack of immediate treatment. The eye is a sensitive organ, with many blood vessels, and if not attended to, problems can become irreversible,” Itaza said.
The Buhaguzi East MP emphasised the importance of sight, noting: “Sight is crucial for everyone. You cannot read or work properly if you cannot see clearly.”
He also called on the government to expand eye screening services to the grassroots level, as such services are currently scarce and expensive, with a shortage of qualified eye specialists.
The camp, held from December 16-19 (Monday to Thursday) under the theme: “Christmas Bonanza Bona Barole (let everyone see), covered all nine districts in the Bunyoro sub-region.
Some patients were referred to Mengo Hospital for cataract surgeries, all free of charge.
Florence Katusiime, a resident of Kakumiro district, expressed her gratitude: “I’m so happy that I was able to see a doctor. In the past, I would have had to pay for this kind of treatment.”
Violet Kobusinge, a resident of Kyentale Ward in Hoima City, brought her daughter, who was born blind.
She shared her relief: “I was struggling financially due to this condition, and I almost had to sell my land to pay for medical bills. Now, my daughter has been referred to Mengo Hospital for treatment.”
Maria Rachael Nabunya, an Ophthalmic Clinical Officer (OCO) and one of the four medics conducting the screening, observed that glaucoma was the most common condition found among the patients.
“In every 20 people we screened, one person had glaucoma,” Nabunya explained. She attributed the condition to several factors, including genetics, age, trauma, and secondary conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure.
Meanwhile, Itaza urged parents to protect their children’s eyesight and ensure regular visits to health facilities if they notice any issues with their children’s eye health.
