The world around me is slipping into darkness

Agnes Mwangi, diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy, with her husband Francis, after she received treatment at Sabatia Eye Hospital. 

Agnes and her husband Francis Mwangi live in Kimilili town, Bungoma County. They have woken up every morning to the bright sight of this town for many years.

But Agnes is counting days before it all turns dark.

Agnes has Diabetes Retinopathy, a serious eye condition caused by high blood sugar levels that damage the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

This condition can affect people with diabetes, and is one of the most common cause of severe vision problems.

Diabetic retinopathy progresses through stages, ranging from mild to severe, with the potential for blindness if left untreated.

Agnes recounts her initial experience of falling ill, which she initially attributed to either malaria or typhoid. She therefore turned to self-medication and kept working despite her deteriorating health. However, she eventually sought medical assistance at the hospital after the condition started to worsen. That’s where she was diagnosed with ulcers, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

“For an extended period, I have been afflicted with a debilitating illness that has caused significant suffering. I was unaware that I was suffering from diabetes. I frequently experienced fatigue and lacked strength. One day, I decided to seek medical attention at Kimilili District Hospital. Upon testing, I discovered that my blood sugar levels were exceptionally high, measuring 24.6,” said Agnes.

They were referred to Sabatia Hospital.

Patients at Sabatia Eye Hospital are referred from various counties by the implementing partners, with support from The Fred Hollows Foundation and the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). These referrals include cases from marginalised and underserved communities.

Agnes and her husband shared the story of how her illness changed their lives. They had to close their business, which was their main way of making money. The expensive medicine was too much for them to afford.

“Due to the exorbitant cost of medication, our business has been compelled to close its operations. Today, we have returned to the clinic, where the doctor has informed us that the treatment for one eye, which necessitates an injection, will incur a cost of Sh20,000. Conversely, the treatment for the other eye, which requires surgery, will cost Sh200,000,” Agnes says.

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy aims to prevent vision loss and may include laser surgery, eye injections of medications, or surgery to remove blood or scar tissue.

“The revelation of these figures has left us deeply distressed, as we lack any viable means to finance the necessary medical interventions,” says Francis, with tears in his eyes.

Last year, a survey showed at least four in every thousand Kenyans are blind or suffer optical related ailments and need urgent eye care to reverse the trend.

According to a Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) report 2024, the burden has reduced from 0.7 per cent in the 1990s to 0.4 per cent going by latest figures, aggravating the  needs for optical health services.

According to the study, one glaring eye condition is cataract, which remains the leading cause of the blindness and yet it can be corrected through a cost effective surgical procedure.

The report shows that cataract, uncorrected refractive errors of glaucoma, contribute to about 85 percent of visual impairments.

Speaking during the launch of the RAAB report, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa said the survey was conducted in 15 counties between December 2022 and December 2023 at a cost of Sh100 million has shown significant reduction about 47 percent.

In a speech read on her behalf by Andrew Rukaria, the Secretary of Administration within the State Department of Medical Services the  CS added that while the progress is commendable, there was growing demand for quality eye care as more patients sought treatment.

“Some of this increased need is linked to advancements in technology and development as it is estimated that slightly over 20 percent of Kenya’s population has access to eye health services in both public and private health facilities,” she said.

The CS said the ministry was now well positioned to articulate priority policy issues related to eye health, and the counties are effectively guided in their planning for eye-care.

Representing the Committee of health of Council of Governors (CoG) , Dr Wilber Otichillo , Vihiga County Governor said eye health investments are important for all sectors and that preventing eye conditions and visual impairment leads to improved productivity and quality life.