Eye Specialist calls for more ophthalmologists in Marsabit as demand for eye care rises

An eye specialist has called on the Marsabit County Government to recruit more ophthalmologists and eye care professionals to address the growing burden of eye diseases and improve access to specialized treatment across the county.

Speaking at the Marsabit County Referral and Teaching Hospital during a two-day free eye treatment outreach, Dr. Kagendo Kahunyo said many residents are forced to travel long distances in search of eye care services due to a shortage of specialists in the region.

Dr. Kahunyo noted that the increasing number of patients seeking treatment highlights the urgent need for additional investment in eye health services, including the deployment of more trained personnel and equipment.

She also urged residents to seek medical attention as soon as they notice eye-related problems, warning that delays in treatment can lead to serious complications, including preventable blindness.

The appeal came as hundreds of residents benefited from free eye screening and treatment services offered through the outreach programme at the referral hospital.

According to Amina Duba, the Coordinator of the Eye Care Department at Marsabit County Referral and Teaching Hospital, the medical camp, which began on Tuesday and concluded on Wednesday, provided much-needed relief to patients suffering from various eye conditions.

She said cataracts and corneal ulcers were among the most common conditions diagnosed during the exercise, underscoring the need for continued eye health interventions in the county.

Patients who received treatment expressed gratitude for the free services, saying the programme had enabled many people who could not afford specialist care to access medical attention.

Meanwhile, Peter Okello, Coordinator of the Low Vision Empowerment Project under Caritas, said the initiative has been implemented in several parts of Marsabit County, including Dirib Gombo, Laisamis and Turbi, among other areas.

Okello explained that the project aims to reduce the burden of eye diseases through community outreach, early detection, treatment and referrals for specialized care. He added that the programme is helping to improve access to eye health services, particularly for vulnerable populations in remote and underserved areas.

Health stakeholders have called for sustained investment in eye care services, noting that timely diagnosis and treatment remain critical in preventing avoidable vision loss and improving the quality of life for residents across Marsabit County.