More than 500 residents from Mukono and Buikwe districts have received free eyecare services from a Spanish organisation – Fundacion Cione Ruta De La Luz (Cione Route of Light Foundation).
The outreach was organised by the Cape of Good Hope, a non-government organisation operating in the two districts.
Cape of Good Hope got a recommendation from another Spanish NGO -Saluganda Elkartea, to collaborate with Fundacion Cione Ruta De La Luz in supporting Ugandan eye patients.
The services offered included free eye consultation, examination, treatment, and over 400 free eyeglasses.
It was conducted at Good Samaritan Primary School-Nasuuti in Mukono, Tom and Margaret, and Kisimbi UMEA Primary Schools in Najja Sub County, Buikwe district.
According to Luis Andres Bravo Alonso, a Senior Ophthalmologist, various eye conditions were attributed to excessive exposure to sunlight, insufficient eye examination, air pollution, plus extended periods spent using computers and cell phones.
Alonso further advised residents to avoid disregarding any eye condition but seek timely examination at health facilities, to wash their hands before touching their eyes, and to consider buying recommended eyeglasses for protection.
However, several patients with cataracts were referred to hospitals for surgery since experts did carry surgical kits.
Jimmy Katende, the Director of Cape of Good Hope, says the majority in remote communities are suffering from various eye conditions due to a lack of access to health facilities for regular eye check-ups.
“Most of our people in rural areas are low-income earners and they can hardly afford to travel to the capital for an eye examination. The examination alone is expensive, ranging almost from Ugx60,000 to Ugx10,000 yet the consultation is about Ugx20,000,” Katende explains.
After the examination, he adds, if one is required to pay for treatment, once eyeglasses or surgery, then it becomes a difficult task for them.
However, the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Luis Andres Bravo Alonso and Martin Diaz Fernandez who conducted the outreach.
They are also grateful to Saluganda Elkartea together with its team leader Iker Mijangos and Assistant Leire for coordinating eye experts as well as their continued support.
Amina Nakadama, the Headteacher of Good Samaritan School, says their efforts have improved sight for many residents and students within the community.
According to her, restoring a gift of sight enables people to return to work to improve their livelihoods and well-being and families.
Situation at Mukono General Hospital Eye Clinic
Mukono General Hospital Eye Clinic is the only government facility in the area receiving people with eye conditions at a free cost.
However, on our last visit to the facility, it lacked essential equipment in the unit despite the large number of clients turning up for services.
The entire eye clinic has only one eye test chart and an arch light device it uses to examine and test almost everyone yet they have different eye conditions.
It receives over 200 clients monthly. About 20 percent are referred to Kampala and Jinja for specialised attention every month.
The hospital needs basic, essential equipment such as a slit lamp used for examining the interior part of the eye, a tonometer for determining the intraocular pressure (fluid pressure inside the eye), an ophthalmoscope used in the inspection of the retina, reflection, and lid rotation sets and loops used in eye surgery.
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