

30 May 2024, 9:47 am
By Mike Okwang Ogule & Isaac Newton Abili
Apac general hospital is currently hosting a five-day cataract surgical camp with over 250 patients with different eye complications.
Organised by Lira regional referral hospital in partnership with Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology Uganda, the camp aims at attending to patients with eye related issues from within and outside Apac district in northern Uganda.
According to Junior Isaac Ekwan, the programs coordinator for Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology in charge Lango Sub-region, the outreach had targeted to operate 50 to 70 people suffering from cataract.
Ekwan, observed that due to the overwhelming number, they are hoping to hire more eye specialists to work within the few remaining hours. Each patient is requested to pay Shs. 100,000 for the operation according to Mr. Ekwan.
Eunice Adongo 27, a resident of Ibuje Town Council, Apac District who has successfully been operated during this ongoing program said she lost clear vision 8 years ago and now very hopeful for a better improvement. She however explained that her parents tried using herbal remedies but her vision got worsened.
Adongo however encouraged those with eye complications to always pursue medical attention from trained personnel and authorised facilities for a better outcome.
Jackson Ekonga, another resident of Apac Municipality, said he suffered eye problem for over 9 months, due to lack of money for surgery.
Paskolina Apio 90, a resident of Apac Sub- County thought she would die without vision after losing her sight at the age of 75. “I have been down with this eye problem, most of the facilities I visited have never given me a solution, I am very optimistic that I will be able to see again”, Apio said.
Christopher Onuk, the Apac general hospital ophthalmic clinical officer, commended Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology and Lira regional referral hospital, for bringing the program closer to the locals within and outside Apac particularly at Apac general hospital.
Onuk explained that they currently lack equipment for carrying out surgery especially for patients suffering from eye complications.
He further said that due to inadequate eye specialists and working equipment, they are always prompted to refer serious cases to Lira regional referral hospital for further management.
According to authorities, Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology (KCCO) works with partners to support the implementation of programmes in Africa in the areas of comprehensive eye care, childhood blindness and low vision, and trachoma elimination.
The cataract surgical camp that started on Monday in Apac ends on Friday 31st June 2024.