Elected leaders and public officers have been challenged to press for the inclusion of eyesight restoration in the NHIF provision to help those affected by blindness and other related complications.
Speaking to the media Professor Dan Kiage an eye specialist at the Kisii Eye Hospital, disclosed eye ailments accounted for one percent translating into 20,000 people out of an estimated 2 million population in the region.
The specialist cited cataracts and glaucoma as major causes of partial or total blindness adding that the others were diabetes, malnutrition, HIV/AIDs and accidents.
Kiage explained that two free eye camps were mounted weekly to screen and identify patients before transporting them to the hospital for medication.
He described the program as having a tremendous impact in the community with benefits accruing from eye surgery, cornea transplant and fitting of spectacles among others.
Kiage urged the region’s residents to turn up for screening and avoid the use of unprescribed eye medicines.
Kisii Eye Hospital under its umbrella, Eye Innovation Centre, is currently engaged in collaboration with Kisii and Nyamira counties to use their health facilities to strengthen the programme and train specialists.