Tororo hospital expands eye care

Apr 03, 2007

BENEDICTINE Eye Hospital in Tororo district will launch routine eye treatment outreach services in 12 eastern districts this month.

By Daniel Edyegu

BENEDICTINE Eye Hospital in Tororo district will launch routine eye treatment outreach services in 12 eastern districts this month.

“We noticed that the majority of our patients travel long distances to get treatment. In rural areas, eye diseases that can be easily treated have made people blind because of poverty and inaccessibility to proper medical services,” Dr. Geoffrey Wabulembo said.

He added that the hospital would provide free eye check-up, treat and give lenses at subsidised rates to patients in rural areas and schools.

Wabulembo added that eye surgery would be carried out in districts with adequate hospital theatres and facilities.

He explained that eye diseases like trachoma, cataracts and child blindness could cause blindness. Wabulembo said the hospital conducted 16,000 eye diagnoses and performed 3,900 surgeries last year.

The targeted districts are Namutumba, Kaliro, Kamuli, Busia, Butaleja, Budaka, Bugiri, Iganga, Mayuge, Palisa, Tororo and Manafwa.

Dr. Stanley Bubikire, the national programme manager in charge of disability and rehabilitation in the health ministry, said the services would help deal with the shortage of specialists in government health units.

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