Updated 15 December 2009
Imagine living in a sightless world, where you can only hear the life around you, being young yet unable to perform simple daily chores that others perform with ease. This is the harsh reality for people residing in remote areas like Samburu, where they do not have access to the medical adequate services.
On 23 November 2009, Bilal Muslim Mission in conjunction with the Kwale Eye Centre, organised an eye camp at the Al Imam Mahdi Centre, Samburu. The camp generated a lot of interest among the locals and resulted in a large attendance, including the elderly, young adults and school aged children.
Among the patients, problems ranged from eye infections, short and long sightedness, and partial or total blindness. One hundred and fifty patients were screed and provided with necessary treatment free of charge. Ten patients were referred to Mombasa for eye surgeries.
Below is a breakdown of the number of patients seen:
| Diagnosis |
# Screened |
| Cataract |
26 |
| Glaucoma |
1 |
| Presbyopia |
37 |
| Refractive errors |
6 |
| Allergy |
48 |
| Optic Atrophy |
1 |
| Pterygium |
1 |
| Corneal Scar |
3 |
| Other |
27 |
| Total |
150 |
Such treatment is making a huge difference for the quality of life for many individuals. 30 year old Mbeyu was nearly blind in both eyes and could only discern movement when a hand was waved right in front of her face. After numerous and unsuccessful visits to the village doctor, she arrived at the clinic with little hope. However, at the camp she was diagnosed and taken for surgery. After surgery, she gained vision in both eyes.
For additional information, email admin@kenbilal.org