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BY RICHARD DRASIMAKU
ARUA: SATURDAY, 12 OCTOBER 2024
The Lions club in Arua has called upon the public to embrace the forth coming general eye clinic that has been organised by the Ministry of Health to commemorate the World Sight Day.
Dr Amos Nyathirombo, an eye specialist and member of the Lions club has confirmed that they will continue to offer essential eye care services to the people because Lions club dedicates the entire month for eye care.
“As Lions, we consider October a sight care month. We are already doing screening at the various health units in the region ahead of the planned event of the Ministry,” he said.
He spoke to the West Nile News following the City preparatory meeting for the eye clinic on Friday.
Some of the ongoing philanthropic activities include a three years project that is running in the districts of Arua, Yumbe, Pakwach and Nebbi.
Recently, the Lions club trained 250 health workers in primary eye care to handle some of the common diseases.
The rehabilitation of the Arua eye department which was constructed with funding from the Lions Club international in 2002 will commence one week after the World Sight Day celebrations.
Also a date will be set for the screening of inmates at the Arua Prison when the screening for the general public targeting 10000 clients across the region ends next week.
“But prisoners with critical cases should be brought to the eye camp without delay,” he said.
Dr Nyathirotmo said the leading causes of blindness in the region were cataract which is preventable but often left untreated because of the expensive surgeries.
At his Pibero eye clinic at Ediofe trading center in Arua city, the specialists carryout surgery for cataract at sh500,000 but most clinic do the surgery at sh700,000 and in some clinics in Kampala, the cost can shoot as high as sh2m, he pointed out.
“Even government finds it difficult to prioritise eye care because an eye operation on one person can for instance support the delivery of ten mothers,” he added.
Dr Nyathirombo listed other causes of sight impairment as glaucoma (high pressure in the eyes) which is a common phenomenon among those 40 years and above with no definite cause.
Child blindness is also common in West Nile and in the country, reflecting the choice of the theme fo the national celebrations: @children love your eyes.”
Dr Pontius Apangu, the Arua city health officer confirmed that the council was mobilising vehicles to help transport to the hospital patients who need surgical services.
This will be helpful to those who can’t afford fee for surgeries and the accessories.
Gratitude to lions Club.