More than 19,000 people have received eye examinations through nine medical camps conducted by Balsam Global Foundation – Sudan Sector across five Kenyan cities, with the humanitarian initiative also providing 1,864 free eye surgeries and 5,917 pairs of eyeglasses to people in need.
The outreach has taken specialised eye care closer to communities in Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit and Malindi, targeting people who may face challenges accessing specialised medical services.
According to the foundation, the programme is built around the need to bring healthcare closer to communities, particularly where distance and access can make it difficult for patients to reach medical facilities.
The nine camps comprise three in Garissa, two in Mandera, two in Wajir, one in Marsabit and one in Malindi, marking an expanding humanitarian medical mission in Kenya.
Thousands reached in Northern Kenya
Garissa has hosted the highest number of the camps, with three eye camps conducted in the county. The initiative has also reached communities in Mandera and Wajir, extending specialised eye services across several parts of Northern Kenya.
The foundation says the medical camps have provided an entry point for patients to receive examinations, medical advice, treatment and, where necessary, surgery.
In total, more than 19,000 medical examinations have been conducted across the nine camps.
For patients requiring surgical intervention, the programme has provided 1,864 free eye surgeries, allowing beneficiaries to access treatment that could otherwise be difficult to obtain.
The foundation says the medical journey does not end with examination, with patients receiving treatment, surgery and follow-up services according to their clinical needs.
Eyeglasses, medicines and follow-up care
Beyond surgery, the outreach has also addressed vision needs through the distribution of eyeglasses.
A total of 5,917 pairs of eyeglasses have been provided to beneficiaries across the nine camps, alongside medicines and other medical support based on patients’ needs.
The intervention is intended to help people with poor vision improve their ability to read, learn, work and participate in everyday activities.
The foundation says the figures represent more than medical procedures, with each examination providing an opportunity to identify an eye condition, offer medical advice, begin treatment or refer a patient for further care.
The initiative has brought together doctors, nurses, technicians, medical and administrative staff, volunteers and partners involved in delivering the camps and supporting patients.
A continuing humanitarian mission
The foundation describes Kenya as an important part of its wider humanitarian journey, with the outreach expanding from one community to another.
The camps have particularly provided a platform for bringing specialised eye care closer to communities in Northern Kenya, where the distances between communities and specialised services can make access challenging.
Balsam Global Foundation – Sudan Sector has expressed appreciation to Kenyan health authorities, government officials, local partners, medical professionals, volunteers and others involved in facilitating the missions.
The foundation says the nine camps are milestones in a continuing commitment to humanitarian and medical service rather than the end of the programme.
From Sudan to Kenya, the initiative continues to focus on expanding access to eye care, with the latest figures standing at nine eye camps, more than 19,000 medical examinations, 1,864 free eye surgeries and 5,917 pairs of eyeglasses provided to beneficiaries.
