Turkana South – May 29, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Over 400 residents from Lokichar and Kalapata wards have received specialized eye care services, including cataract surgeries and screening, following conclusion of a four-day free eye medical camp conducted by the County Government in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation.
Speaking during the camp, the Sub-County Eye Coordinator, Anne Louyei, said the initiative aimed at reaching underserved populations in the two wards through enhanced outreach, screening, and sensitization efforts.
The camp attracted patients from various remote areas including Loperot, Napusmoru, Lochwaa, and Locheremoit, with additional coming from Lodwar and Lokori in Turkana Central and East respectively.
“Our target was to attend to at least 300 patients, and I am proud to say we achieved and surpassed that. We recorded over 100 successful cataract surgeries,” said Louyei.
Among the beneficiaries was 80-year-old Akuwom Margaret from Lokori, who had previously missed a similar medical camp conducted in her area a few months earlier. Akuwom said she completely lost her sight in March 2025 and had depended entirely on relatives for support.
“I was brought here by my granddaughter while visiting her. My first operated eye has regained sight clearly, and now the second one is also improving. Both eyes had gone completely dark. I can now even walk to the toilet by myself,” she said.
The county government continues to record high prevalence rates of avoidable blindness at 6.2% compared to the national average of 2.85%. Decentralisation of eye care services remains a critical strategy to improving access with eye care services now accesible at the facility.
Oscar Montana, an Ophthalmic Clinical Officer, attributed the high prevalence to environmental and climatic conditions.
“Eye complications in Turkana remain high due to prolonged exposure to dust from an early age, harsh climatic conditions, solar effects, and old age,” he explained.
For 60-year-old beadworker Lomongin Ipalio from Tonyoutu village in Lokichar, the surgery marked the beginning of a new chapter after living in darkness for three years.
“My eyesight gradually reduced until I could no longer see or continue with my beadwork. I lost both my sight and livelihood,” she recounted.
“Three days after surgery, I can now clearly see the Kalong’ot Hills from where I am seated. I can fetch my own water again because I am not too old to depend entirely on others,” she added with a smile.
Another beneficiary, 74-year-old pastoralist Loriongoreng Epuu from Nakwakitela village also from Lokichar, said regaining his sight restored not only his independence but also his dignity.
“I can see everything again. I am eager to reunite with my goats, especially my favourite coloured ones. Guidance from others was never enough for me, but now I can resume my livelihood independently,” he said.
Louyei further revealed that the next camp is scheduled to take place at Kainuk Sub County Hospital targeting residents from Kaputir and Lobokat wards.
She added that insecurity has for years hindered access to eye care services in some parts of Turkana South, but efforts are ongoing to ensure even the most remote communities are reached.
“Next week, we are taking the camp to Aroo Sub County as part of our continued efforts to reach underserved populations and reduce avoidable blindness in Turkana,” she concluded.
