Darkness to light: Tales of vision restored at Mama Lucy Eye Hospital

Imagine living in a world devoid of colours, shapes, and the beauty that surrounds us every day.

For some individuals who have experienced vision loss, this darkness has been a gruesome reality they have had to contend with.

However, with the remarkable advancements in medical treatments and procedures, many people have had the incredible opportunity to regain their eyesight and immerse themselves once again in a vibrant, visual world.

As Mama Lucy Kibaki Public Eye Hospital opened its gates to the public a week ago for a free surgical and medical eye camp, the number of Kenyans walking in has been overwhelming.

One after the other, from every corner of the country, they have been trooping to the Eastland’s Umoja II annex public eye clinic for treatment.

Some have lived with various eye disorders for years and counting and the opening was their last hope.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja who commissioned the facility Monday acknowledged that thousands are living with eyesight problems due to the costly treatment.

During the event, stories of joy and hope were told even as hundreds of others continued to patiently wait for their time in the long queues.

The restoration of eyesight of a four-year-old baby born blind and an 89-year-old James (not his real name) who lost his eyesight 52 years ago were the major achievements during a week-long free surgical and medical eye camp at the facility.

During the week-long camp, more than 5,000 patients from across the country were treated with 4,600 pairs of reading glasses being handed out.

The heartwarming story of James and the four-year-old is part of that of 329 others whose eyesight was restored was a major achievement for the doctors working at the facility.

“This clinic is here to serve everyone, already we are seeing 40 per cent of our patients are from outside of Nairobi,” said Sakaja.

Lucy Njeri from Kiambu who is another beneficiary said she has had a vision problem with her right eye for the last five years but with her visit to the clinic, she underwent surgery to correct it and can now see again.

Njeri said she had struggled to get affordable treatment in vain forcing her to live with it.

Benjamin Kalungu from Dandora who brought his 91-year-old father, Kalungu Chenza, to the clinic said as a family they had sought treatments in various hospitals in vain.

Chenza had struggled with eye problem vision for over 10 years.

For Sakaja, the hospital gives faith not only to Nairobians but thousands of Kenyans with eyesight problems.

“Many have suffered in silence and darkness. Today, we begin to change that,” he said during the event.

He added, “I want to assure you that even if you cannot make your way to this hospital, we will do our utmost to reach you wherever you are in Nairobi.”

The opening of the hospital, he noted, is proof of the power of unity for public service.

“Beyond providing vital medical services, our mission includes raising awareness about eye health and the importance of regular eye check-ups,” he added.

Ann Akwani from Busia said when she heard about the eye camp she had to travel as the problem had continued to affect her for many years.

“I could not wait any longer. I can now do my chores without any problem,” she explained.