Garissa County Referral Hospital will host a first-of-its-kind advanced eye surgery camp, a lifeline for hundreds of patients in Garissa County and the wider North Eastern region. The free surgical camp will be held from 6th to 10th July 2026.
The programme will offer free cataract surgery, during which the clouded natural lens of the eye will be replaced with an artificial intraocular lens to restore vision.
Screening and assessment began on 29th June and will continue until 3rd July 2026 at the Eye Clinic of Garissa County Referral Hospital.
Dr. Moulid Omar Abdi, said patients who qualify during the screening exercise will undergo surgery by specialist eye surgeons, with post-operative care and follow-up services also provided at no cost.
“The initiative is designed to reduce preventable blindness by expanding access to quality eye care for patients who would otherwise be unable to afford the treatment,” he said.
Dr. Moulid noted, the camp is open to all individuals experiencing vision impairment caused by cataracts, one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness, particularly among older adults.
He urged residents experiencing blurred vision or other symptoms associated with cataracts to take advantage of the free screening before the surgical phase begins.
“Early diagnosis and timely treatment improve surgical outcomes and help patients regain their independence and quality of life.”
Mr. Yunis Dekow, Chief of Communications at Garissa County Referral Hospital, said the procedure, which previously required many patients to travel to major towns or even abroad at considerable expense, will now be available in Garissa free of charge for the first time.
“Residents experiencing vision problems caused by cataracts are encouraged to visit the Eye Clinic at Garissa County Referral Hospital for screening and assessment before the surgery dates,” said Mr. Dekow.
He urged residents suffering from cataracts to take advantage of the initiative, aimed at restoring sight and improving the quality of life for patients affected by the condition.
The free cataract surgery camp is being conducted by Garissa County Referral Hospital in partnership with Pious Projects, to expand access to specialised healthcare services across Garissa County.
