The County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet on October 14, 2022, commissioned the construction of the Eye Unit theatre at the Iten County Referral Hospital (ICRH).
County governor Wisely Rotich presided over the groundbreaking ceremony that was also attended by top officials from Operation Eyesight Universal.
Speaking during the event, Rotich said the event marks the start of making the Iten County Referral Hospital (ICRH) a centre of excellence in eye health.
“The construction works will take four months where upon completion, a new glass edger machine which is used to make eyeglasses will be installed by the county,” the county boss said.
Having an operational Eye Theater is expected to reduce travel distances and costs Elgeyo Marakwet locals incur seeking such services in hospitals outside the county.
It will also help the county generate revenue for the eye unit.
“An inpatient ward at the eye unit will also be constructed,” Rotich said.
The theatre is being constructed by the county in partnership with Operation Eyesight Universal at a cost of Ksh13 million.
Operation Eyesight Universal chairperson Ernest Muibui was present during the event.
“We will fully equip the theatre with beds, and modern machines including those that can do operations with precision and later we will have a third phase where the wards will be constructed,” said Muibui.
Since the Eye Unit at the Iten County Referral Hospital was set up, it has so far seen more than 5,000 people with eye problems attended to and some 200 surgeries successfully carried out.
