Medics express concerns over cataracts among senior citizens

Medical officers examining patients during a free medical camp at Ober Level Four Hospital in Rachuonyo East Sub-county on October 26, 2024. [James Omoro, Standard] 

Medical officers have expressed concerns over increasing cases of cataracts among elderly persons in the Rachuonyo East sub-county.

During a medical camp held at Ober Level Four Hospital, more than 1,000 people sought medication for the condition.

A number of elderly persons aged 60 years and above were developing or had developed cataracts.

The hospital’s medical superintendent, Jared Onyango, said cases of cataracts need intervention to rescue the affected senior citizens.

He said cataract is a problem that can be cured through surgery.

“We have not concluded the medical services in this camp but we have realised that several senior citizens aged 60 years and above are suffering from cataracts,” Onyango said.

He said the situation is worrying because the revelation came during a free medical camp.

“This means many elderly persons might be suffering from the eye problem at home, without seeking medical care in health facilities.

He said they had referred those suffering from the problem to other health facilities for surgery.

“Cataracts can be treated through surgery. I urge every resident of this county with the problem to visit the nearest health facilities for medical redress,” Onyango said.

He said they were going to undertake campaigns on cataract identification and management in the sub-county.

Apart from cataracts, the resident's various medical conditions acquired health services.

Medical officers examining patients during a free medical camp at Ober Level Four Hospital in Rachuonyo East Sub-county on October 26, 2024. [James Omoro, Standard] 

These included general medical conditions, dental, and cancer screening among others. The services were offered by medics from America, Rwanda and local medical practitioners.

According to Sylvester Kasera of the Kwame Otiende Foundation, getting health services has been a challenge to many residents of Homa Bay since the transition of the Social Health Authority.

“This camp is going to assist many people because as we speak, seeking health services is a serious problem in Homa Bay since the SHA transition began,” Kasera said.

He said his foundation was committed to ensuring that residents got medical services.

Immaculate Atieno, the Project Officer of KMET said medical consultants are difficult to find but the camp has brought several specialists.