Drugs, mobile devices' use to blame for increase in eye problems

This was evident as hundreds of Kenyans took advantage of the opportunity to receive a free eye examination at Zetech University's Mang'u campus in Witeithie Ward. 

The clinic, organised by the University in collaboration with the PCEA Kikuyu Hospital, Christian Blind Mission (CBM), and the Kiambu County Government on Thursday, was supposed to serve 300 patients, but over 1000 locals showed up. 

Anne Mwangi, the Juja sub-county Public Health Officer, stated that residents were screened and given medication as well as assistive devices such as eyeglasses. 

She stated that the majority of the patients were previously identified by Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in their homes and referred to the clinic.

She said that most locals presented themselves with eye cataracts, short-sighted and others were suffering from allergies.

Mwangi also warned locals, particularly young people, against excessive alcohol and substance use, citing the vices as one of the causes of eye problems.

She also urged Kenyan youths to exercise caution when using electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers, particularly in this digital age where most work is done online, claiming that the light devices endanger their eyes.

Elsewhere, Prof. Alice Njuguna, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Zetech University, pleaded with the striking doctors to negotiate with the government and find a long-term solution to the standoff, stating that Kenyans are suffering.

She stated that a large percentage of Kenyans cannot afford to seek treatment in private medical facilities.

Locals who benefited from the clinic thanked the institutions involved for the kind gesture, noting that they had been facing an uphill battle in accessing the services, particularly at this time when doctors had downed tools.

Jane Wanjiku, a CHP in Witeithie ward, expressed similar sentiments, pointing out that poor locals were suffering in their homes.