Nakuru: Nakuru County has initiated a comprehensive plan to enhance access to eye care services, underscoring the importance of eye health in socioeconomic development. County Director for Medical Services, Dr. Daniel Wainaina, highlighted that eye health is crucial not only for medical reasons but also for education, work productivity, road safety, and economic resilience.

According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Wainaina emphasized the need to integrate eye health into the broader health system to achieve universal health coverage. He pointed out that equitable access to eye care is essential, especially for vulnerable populations, in addressing a significant gap in Kenya's health system. This initiative aims to collaborate with Eye and U Kenya to enhance specialized eye care services in county health facilities that currently lack adequate treatment capabilities.

The partnership with Eye and U Kenya is set to provide quality ophthalmic care at subsidized costs. Dr. Wainaina explained that Governor Susan Kihika's administration is committed to establishing and strengthening facility-based eye care services while conducting periodic medical outreach eye camps across various sub-counties. This initiative will support mass screening and treatment of various eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, corneal dystrophies, pterygium, and refractive errors, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Dr. Wainaina assured that ophthalmic care, a critical yet previously neglected health service, will be prioritized to improve healthcare outcomes across the county. He stated that Nakuru County will continue investing in eye health to meet global targets and protect the vision of community members.

Ministry of Health records indicate that Kenya's effective refractive error coverage stands at approximately 6.7 per cent, highlighting a significant gap as millions of Kenyans lack access to basic vision correction. Health experts warn that uncorrected refractive error is a leading cause of visual impairment in the country, limiting opportunities for many despite being easily treatable.

Dr. Wainaina stressed that poor vision impacts not only health but also education, economic productivity, and public safety. He cited examples of students struggling in school, workers hindered by poor vision, and preventable road accidents as consequences of inadequate eye care.

Health workers in the county are being encouraged to advocate for accessible and quality eye care services, particularly at the community level, where the need is greatest. Experts have identified poor vision as a 'silent public health crisis' in Kenya, with significant yet often overlooked effects on individuals and the economy.

The 2026 Nakuru Eye Disease Cohort Study identifies prevalent eye conditions in the region, including vision impairment, blindness, cataracts, uncorrected refractive errors, age-related macular degeneration, and conjunctivitis/allergies.