Public service vehicle (PSV) drivers in Migori County have benefited from a free eye-screening and treatment programme aimed at addressing preventable visual impairment and improving road safety.
The initiative, organised by the Migori County Government in partnership with Lwala Community Alliance and the Fred Hollows Foundation, was held to mark World Sight Day, with drivers targeted because of the critical role good eyesight plays in safe driving.
By the end of the exercise, health officials had screened over 150 residents, issuing reading glasses to the majority after diagnosing them with presbyopian age-related condition affecting close-up vision.
County eye-care coordinator Paul Olik said the programme was designed to raise awareness about eye health, identify visual problems early and connect patients requiring specialised care to appropriate health facilities.
“We have seen over 150 clients. Most of them have come with presbyopia, a problem which leads to an inability to see near objects,” Olik said.
He added that more than 90 per cent of the clients examined had received reading glasses to help them perform everyday activities, including reading and other close-up tasks.
The screening team also identified patients with other eye conditions, including myopia, which affects distance vision.
According to Olik, three optometrists were conducting eye examinations and determining the appropriate corrective lenses for patients.
Those diagnosed with conditions that could not be managed at the outreach were referred to Migori County Referral Hospital for further treatment.
Olik said approximately 10 patients had been identified for referral for cataract surgery.
Cost of eye care
For drivers who depend on their eyesight to earn a living, the initiative offered relief from conditions they had struggled to manage because of the cost and distance involved in accessing medical services.
Geoffrey Ochieng’ Okeyo, a driver with a Matatu Sacco, said he had experienced difficulties reading before receiving assistance through the programme.
Okeyo said his condition had affected his ability to read properly, sometimes creating challenges when handling money during his daily work.
“I was driving with difficulties. I could see, but I had problems reading. Sometimes someone would send me money or give me money that was not the correct amount, and I could accept it because I could not identify it properly, especially at night,” he said.
He attributed his delayed treatment to the high cost of eye care and the distance to facilities offering the services.Okeyo welcomed the initiative, urging the county government to take similar services closer to residents and organise regular screening exercises.
“I would appeal to the government to bring these services closer to the people and conduct the exercise regularly so that more people can have an opportunity to access treatment,” he said.
George Otieno, another driver who benefited from the programme, said poor eyesight among motorists could pose a danger to road users.
Otieno noted that drivers operate in demanding conditions, including dusty roads, poor visibility and long-distance journeys, which make good vision essential.
He said some motorists continued working despite experiencing eyesight problems because they could not afford medical care.
“Many drivers do not seek treatment because of the cost. Some earn very little and have families to support, so they may find it difficult to set aside money for treatment,” Otieno said.
He thanked the county government for organising the programme, saying similar initiatives should be held regularly to help drivers and other residents access eye care.
Preventable blindness
Olik said findings from a previous survey on blindness and visual impairment had highlighted the need for increased screening and public awareness in Migori County.
He cited a Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey conducted in 2024, saying Migori and Homa Bay were among the counties with a high burden of blindness, with Turkana reporting the highest burden among the counties assessed.
He warned that some causes of visual impairment could be prevented or managed if patients sought medical attention early.Among the conditions identified were cataracts, glaucoma and refractive errors, which can affect a person’s ability to see clearly.
Olik also highlighted the risk of diabetes-related eye complications, noting that early diagnosis and regular screening could help prevent avoidable vision loss.He urged residents not to wait until their eyesight deteriorated significantly before seeking medical attention.
The county eye-care coordinator said the government was also engaging the Social Health Authority (SHA) to improve access to eye treatment by strengthening coverage for eye-care services.He noted that the cost of treatment remained a significant obstacle for people without health insurance.
According to Olik, the cost of eye surgery could reach Sh6,000, an amount many households might struggle to raise.He said patients with appropriate SHA coverage could have an easier time accessing treatment, depending on the condition and the benefits covered under their package.
Other beneficiaries welcomed the free screening exercise, describing it as an opportunity for people who had previously struggled with poor eyesight to receive professional attention.
Jimton Nyadawa, a driver who said he had experienced eyesight problems for some time, expressed hope that the treatment would help improve his vision.
Rose Atieno Ogutu also thanked the county government and health workers for bringing the services closer to residents.
The beneficiaries urged authorities to sustain the initiative and extend it to other communities facing similar barriers to eye care.
Olik said the programme was part of broader efforts to promote healthy eyesight, reduce preventable blindness and ensure people with visual impairment received appropriate treatment.
He added that patients requiring specialised services would continue to be referred to health facilities capable of managing their conditions.
