Bernard is a great example of the transformation our donors have made at Kitale District Hospital.
Bernard, from Kenya’s Trans Nzoia County, spent three years unable to see, dependent on others for everything. Now, after receiving sight-restoring surgery, he’s one of the hospital’s most dedicated community health volunteers! He’s committed to helping others receive the same gift of sight that changed his life.
Before Operation Eyesight started working in Trans Nzoia County, the hospital’s eye unit was just one small room with a staff of two. Twice a year, a surgeon would travel 74 kilometres from another hospital for patients in need of more specialized treatment. Since services were limited, many people were left to struggle with visual impairment.
In September 2010, an upgraded eye unit was opened at the hospital, thanks to generous donors like YOU. See the dramatic changes below!
Kitale District Hospital eye services in 2010:
– One room
– One ophthalmic clinical officer and one ophthalmic nurse
– 20 patients a day
– 40 cataract surgeries per year
– No outreach services
Kitale District Hospital eye services in 2018:
– Consultation rooms, refraction room, operating theatre, 18-bed recovery ward, and administration and research facilities
– One ophthalmologist, four cataract surgeons and eight ophthalmic nurses
– 100 patients a day
– 600 cataract surgeries a year
– Three satellite clinics in Cherangany, Endebess and Matunda sub-counties, staffed by ophthalmic nurses trained by Operation Eyesight
Additionally, hospital staff and other Operation Eyesight partners have screened all 168,730 primary school children in Trans Nzoia County for eye problems.
The people of the county now have quality eye health care that’s available to everyone. Thank you for making this possible!
There are thousands more people who need your help. Donate now to transform entire communities through the gift of sight!
