Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital will conduct a free eye surgery camp from November 1 to 8, 2026. During the period specialised procedures will be provided, including corneal transplants and laser eye surgeries, to patients in Northern Kenya.
The camp will bring together visiting eye surgeons from Canada and India to provide specialised consultations, assessments and surgical services.
Dr. Moulid Omar Abdi, head of the eye unit of facility, an ophthalmologist specialized in peadiatric ophthalmology and strabismus surgery, said the initiative would improve access to specialised eye care for patients who might otherwise struggle to obtain the services.
He said the initiative includes free corneal transplant surgeries, a highly specialised procedure intended for patients with corneal blindness.
“The procedures are a major milestone for the facility by enabling eligible patients to access the specialised treatment locally instead of travelling abroad,” he told RTG Digital.
Patients who have undergone previous eye surgeries or sustained eye injuries but continue to experience poor vision have been urged to visit the hospital for screening to determine their eligibility for further treatment.
Dr Moulid said the visiting specialists will also perform laser eye procedures for approximately 300 patients, while those undergoing surgery will receive free medication.
“Consultations with the visiting surgeons will also be provided at no cost,” he added.
Screening and booking are currently underway at the hospital’s eye unit, with patients “encouraged to present themselves early for assessment ahead of the camp.”
The services will be offered daily from 7am to 3pm throughout the eight-day exercise.
Patients seeking further information can contact Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital on 0720 267 708.
The initiative is aimed at expanding access to specialised ophthalmic services and reducing the need for patients in the region to travel long distances or seek treatment abroad.
