On Sunday 14th January, 2007 men and women, both young and old, were heading towards Al Mahdi Islamic Centre in Burani village where in addition to the second round of Mother and Child Health Action day, the first eye camp by BMMK was held in partnership with Kwale District Eye Centre. (KDEC)

After registration of the clients, the KDEC team members together with Community Own Resource Persons (CORPS) conducted the screening. This was followed by Visual Acuity tests for all patients.  Thereafter, they were referred to the medical team for screening.  A classroom was divided into two sections, with one section darkened to allow for examination.  The second section was used for records and dispensing of medication and reading glasses.

A total of 197 patients were screened. However, only six (6) cataract patients out of the 13 identified accepted to take up surgery to restore their sight at KDEC. The area CBW (Community Based Worker) will still make a follow – up on the remaining seven patients and ensure that they will accept surgery.

Two children with visual impairments were identified and their parents advised to visit KDEC for Low Vision Assessment. Follow –ups will also be conducted to ensure that the Low Vision children go for check – up. In the same camp, two cases of   irreversible blind with Glaucoma were booked for rehabilitation programme and KDEC will do further needs assessment for appropriate interventions. Likewise, the KDEC’s rehabilitation officer together with the area CBW will conduct periodic home visits for Orientation & Mobility and impart Daily Living Skills to the rehabilitation clients.
 Patients screened
                                                  Adults Children                             Adults   Children           

Glaucoma patients seen              2                       Injury cases           2
Presbyiopia patients seen         142                     Refractive errors  3           6
Xeropthalmia (vit. a.) seen                     4             Conjuctivities        2            3
Corneal scar                                1          2             Others                    30
 
Total Cataract Patients                               11
Patients issued with reading glasses   112
Patients issued with sun glasses           10    

Patients issued with medication                                                                   
            
Allergies                                   80                   
Conjunctivitis                            5
Corneal Scar                            3
Xeropthalmia                            2
Others                                      30
 
 
There is low awareness levels on eye health among community in Rural areas, a general fear of treatment – a factor made worse by traditional beliefs and lack of money resulting from high poverty rate among the community.  The creation of awareness carries forward to the next generation… and the next.  People have a right to sight and to healthy eyes.

The prevention and cure of blindness can provide enormous savings and facilitate societal developments. It is proposed to organise the eye camps at different centres in Rural Areas.