Over 2,000 people in Teso get free eye treatment
SERERE-More than 2,000 patients with different eye-related complications in Teso Sub-region received free treatment and cataract surgery in Serere district days ago.
The beneficiaries were able to be treated during a treatment and cataract surgery camp conducted freely by the Northern Indian Cultural Association [NICA] Uganda in partnership with Pingire County MP, Fred Opolot who is also the chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Indian Affairs.
The camp, which had been held earlier in Jinja, was held at Serere Health Centre IV from November 4-6, 2022. It attracted patients from districts of Serere, Amuria, Ngora, Soroti, Kaberamaido, and others outside Teso Sub-region.
Ram Gulshan, the chairperson of NICA Uganda said eye treatment and cataract surgeries sponsored by Eye Camp Africa Charity UK in partnership with SSDM Temple, Dr. Ssali and Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital are meant to help underprivileged people with different eye-related problems regain vision.
Gulshan told this reporter that over 1500 patients got free eyeglasses while 73 cataracts were operated.
“With the growing number of eye complications amongst underprivileged Ugandans. We believe that helping the needy with the gift of sight is a noble cause for humankind,” he added.
While flagging off the exercise, MP Opolot said he initiated the idea of free eye treatment camp after realising there was a high number of people with eye-related complications in his constituency.
“Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in middle-income families, the highest burden is thought to be in the Teso, Karamoja, and Busoga regions,” Opolot explained.
Opolot lauded NICA Uganda for extending a healing hand to the community members who cannot afford eye treatment.
Robert Agwau, a resident of Akoboi village in Olio Sub-county Serere district was grateful to NICA and MP Opolot for the initiative of eye treatment and cataract surgery camp.
After suffering from poor sight for seven years, the 64-year-old Agwau said he can now read after receiving proper eye treatment.
Gulshan said this was the 68th free eye screening and 19th cataract surgery camp they were conducting in eastern Uganda.
However, the Serere district ophthalmologist, Winfred Alero urged the public to regularly visit eye specialists for checkups.
Alero described the eye as a very important and sensitive part of the body, which needs protective care.
“When you are using a boda-boda, please wear sunglasses. When you are under the scorching sun, protect your eyes,” she said.
Alero also warned those with eye-related complications against applying herbs, saying they will further affect eyesight.
“Don’t self-medicate and don’t use someone’s medicine or glasses,” she advised.
https://thecooperator.news/indian-association-to-hold-eye-camp-in-eastern-uganda/
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