Kisii CeC for health Sarah Omache has indicated the commitment of the county government in fighting eye problems among teenagers.
Speaking on Tuesday in Kisii Primary while issuing certificates to health workers and teachers who trained for the eye sensitisation program, Omache said that out of the 2000 cases screened over eye problems between 2013 to date, 340 have tested positive and they are receiving treatment at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH).
She noted that in conjunction with Briemholden Vision Institute and Operation Eye Sight International, they would issue spectrum for free to children between the age of 0-6 years and those between 6-15 years would get them at a subsidised price of Sh800.
Omache said a total of 174 people were trained and equipped with knowledge on how they would carry out the testing in various parts of the county in the workshop program held back in October 10, 2013.
“We have issued 91 certificates to teachers, 50 to health workers and 33 to community health workers after attending training on basic eye screening techniques for children between 0-15 years. They will help to screen children and those who will test positive will be referred to KTRH for treatment,” said Omache.
She appealed to the members of the public to support the initiative so that they can curb eye problems among teenagers.
“The programme that started in 2013 and ends in 2016, aims at curbing eye problems among children. However, I ask the parents to come out and help us identify those with eye problem so that they can be treated,” said Omache.
She also lauded the sponsors of the four-year initiative for volunteering to help the growing generation.
“The prevalence of the children diagnosed with eye problem in Kisii County stands at 15 percent. Some of the problems are reflective errors and cataract. However, allergy is the most common problem among the children we have diagnosed,” said Clarice Onyango, an eye specialist at KTRH.