Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisely Rotich on March 21, 2023, commissioned an Eye Unit operation theatre at the Iten County Referral Hospital (ICRH).
The facility was established courtesy of Operation Eyesight donors in partnership with the county government and the Ophthalmic Services Unit at Kenya’s National Ministry of Health.
It will provide the space and equipment needed to provide sight-restoration surgery to patients.
Addressing the occasion, Governor Wisely Rotich said for a long time, eye patients in Elgeyo Marakwet have been travelling to Kijabe Mission Hospital and Sabatia in Western Kenya incurring huge expenses.
Going forward, the governor said, Operation Eyesight was now a reality in Iten Referral Hospital.
The governor further said eye patients from humble backgrounds have been suffering due to a lack of treatment.
“In the villages when people grow old it is only retired teachers and some working-class retirees who have glasses. Does it mean the rest of the old people don’t have eye problems?” Rotich asked.
Eyeglasses for all
He also said eyeglasses have only been reserved for the rich, but will now be accessible to all.
“All hustlers in Elgeyo Marakwet with eye problems will be attended to, diagnosed and supplied glasses free of charge,” said the governor.
Beneficiary Magrine Kiplimo from Kipsoen health centre gave her testimony following her sight restoration.
“Before I was attended to, I was partially blind. I was no longer able to read my Bible in Church or pick vegetables in the garden. I thank God that I can now see,” said Kiplimo.
Kashinath Bhoosnurmath, the Operation Eyesight Chief Executive Officer said he was pleased about the beneficiary testimonies.
“Healthy eyes and vision care change lives. For a parent, it can mean the chance to provide for their family. Additionally, for a child, it can mean the chance to attend and thrive at school,” said Alice Mwangi, Operation Eyesight’s Country Director for Kenya.
“We are bringing quality eye health care to people’s front doors, and this new operation theatre builds on the success of other eye services that have recently been added to the community,” she added.
Operation Eyesight is a Canada-based international development organization working to prevent blindness as well as restore sight in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
The occasion was also attended by Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek, a host CECs and County government officials.
