By Treezer Michelle Atieno
The newly inaugurated Mama Lucy Kibaki Eye Hospital in Nairobi’s Umoja II area has continued to restore vision in Nairobi as the first public eye hospital in Nairobi County. Towards the end of last year, the hospital hosted a remarkable free medical camp. The camp, organized in partnership with Beta Charitable Trust and the Centre for Health and Education Programs, welcomed an astounding 5,000 patients. This overwhelming response underscores the pressing need for accessible eye care services across the country.
Out of the multitude who sought assistance, 329 individuals underwent successful surgeries, emerging with restored eyesight. This achievement marks a significant step in addressing the prevalent issue of visual impairment in Kenya.
Cataract, a condition clouding the eye’s lens, remains the leading cause of avoidable blindness in the nation, accounting for 43% of cases. Mama Lucy Kibaki Eye Hospital, under the leadership of CEO Alfred Wafula, stands as a beacon of hope in combating this debilitating ailment.
During the hospital’s commissioning Wafula emphasized the pivotal role of the facility in alleviating the cataract burden and enhancing overall well-being.
The hospital boasts a comprehensive range of services, including eye examinations, prescription glasses, treatments, surgical procedures, and lens replacements. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure, equipped with two operating theatres, five eye microscopes, consultation rooms, a laboratory, pharmacy, and lens factory, underscores its commitment to excellence in patient care.
Apart from eye treatments, the hospital is also a training center for eye care specialists. With 58 consultants, seven ophthalmologists, and two eye lens specialists, the facility is poised to empower future generations of healthcare professionals.