Over 2,000 Kitgum residents to receive free eyeglasses in major eye-care initiative

At least 2,000 patients in the Kitgum district with cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors are set to receive free eyeglasses worth millions of shillings following a screening by local medical personnel.

Winnifred Lanyero, a native of Lamogi village in Buruzi Parish, Lagoro sub-county, spearheaded the donation of eyeglasses.

Lanyero, who works for a US-based organization that helps orphans and vulnerable communities, is also a potential candidate for the Kitgum district’s woman MP seat.

During her consultations in the district, Lanyero discovered that many residents suffer from health conditions, especially eye-related issues, which have long been neglected by current leaders.

She pledged to distribute the eyeglasses equally among the 22 sub-counties in the district, following a proper needs assessment. She also committed to securing more eyeglasses if the demand exceeds the initial supply.

Alfred Akubo, the senior clinical officer and eyecare focal person for Kitgum district, praised the initiative, noting that it would significantly aid residents, particularly students struggling with vision problems.

He highlighted that the district lacks eye care units and specialized personnel, despite the high prevalence of eye conditions.

“The top five causes of eye-related morbidity in Kitgum are allergic conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, refractive errors, and ocular trauma,” Akubo explained.

Last August, Kitgum district partnered with the Office of the President, German NGO BAZANGU-EV, and the Prince Kimbugwe Foundation to organize a three-day outreach aimed at supporting residents with eye issues.

The outreach covered Orom, Namokora, Akwang, Amida sub-counties, Kitgum General Hospital, and St. Joseph Hospital.

“Most of the patients screened were aged 50 and above, with cataracts being the predominant condition. Many require immediate assistance to regain vision,” Akubo added. He emphasized that the limited outreach period was not enough to reach all those in need.

Dr. Pamela Atim, Medical Director at St. Joseph Hospital, noted the far-reaching impacts of vision impairment and blindness, which affect personal independence, community involvement, education, employment, and access to public services.

“Un-operated cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors remain the leading causes of visual impairment, but conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and trauma also need urgent attention,” she said.

Dr. Henry Okello Otto, Acting Kitgum District Health Officer, revealed that the district has handled 17,307 eye-related cases over the past two financial years. He reiterated the lack of eye care units and trained specialists in health centers as a significant challenge.

A 2014 national assessment indicated that 0.4% of Ugandans are blind, and 6% of about 2.6 million people have difficulty seeing. Globally, 2.2 billion people experience visual impairment, with one billion cases being preventable or treatable.

Developing countries like Uganda bear the heaviest burden, with women disproportionately affected.

At the 74th World Health Assembly, member states agreed to increase effective refractive error coverage by 40% and cataract surgery coverage by 30% by 2030, respectively.