BY GICHUNGE ELIJAH
PHOTO: LEAKEY GITONGA

The County Government of Meru, Lions Club, Maua and Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, Nairobi, partnered in a community outreach program in conducting a free eye screening for the Meru residents of Maua, at Meru North Disability Centre.

The Lions Club team led by Mr. Peter Ndwiga, Nairobi Branch Marketing & PR Manager, Maua Lions Club President, Mr. Kaumbuthu Samuel, as well as Ms. Linda Mugambi, Nyambene Hospital, conducted a free eye screening exercise alongside enlightening the public on the commonest indicators of vision impairments. These include but not limited to attempts to brush away blurred vision, frequent rubbing of eyes or unusual blinking, squinting when focusing on distance objects as well as red or swollen eyelids and inflamed or watery eyes.

However, Ophthalmologists recommends a regular eye examination for all adults above the age of 40 years with or without sight impairment.

During the eye screening, other related tests like Blood sugar, Blood pressure were also done. Linda Mugambi, one of the Nurses in Nyambene Hospital, said it is encouraged nowadays that one undergoes a blood sugar and Blood pressure test upon visiting a hospital, a requirement in public hospitals.

She added that the exercise was more equipped even with beyond zero mobile clinics to cater for emergencies in case any arose.

Mr. Kaumbuthu, the Clubs President, said it was more pleasing to work with the county government through Nyambene Sub County Hospital in conducting the exercise. He added that before the close of the exercise, more than 400 people were attended to.

Dennis Kimathi, from Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, Nairobi, said they are seeking to collaborate with the county government in establishing a vision center, expressing the hospital's hope to work with the government more.