Kwania, Uganda | At least 100 patients have regained their sight following a week-long eye surgical camp conducted by Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) at Aduku Health Center IV.
The outreach, held from April 20 to April 24, 2026, was spearheaded by Senior Ophthalmologist Dr. Shamin Namwase with support from the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology.
A total of 200 patients were screened, out of which 100 underwent successful eye surgeries, mainly for cataracts, a leading cause of blindness, especially among the elderly.
Dr. Namwase said the team was pleased with the outcome, noting that conducting over 100 surgeries in a single week was a significant milestone. She added that taking specialised services closer to communities has bridged the gap for rural patients who can not afford or access treatment at referral hospitals.
The camp attracted more than 700 patients from Kwania and neighbouring districts, reflecting the growing demand for eye care services in rural areas.
Health workers also treated other conditions, including glaucoma, eye infections, and inflammation, as well as the removal of foreign bodies from the eye.
Despite the success, Dr. Namwase observed that some community members still fear eye surgery due to misconceptions, although such fears are gradually easing as more patients share positive experiences.
Mr. Isaac Ekwan, Clinical Ophthalmology Officer at LRRH and Eye Care Programmes Manager with the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology, said the surgeries registered good outcomes. He added that the team used the camp to mentor local health workers and improve the ophthalmic theatre at Aduku Health Center IV to sustain future services.
He noted that untreated cataract not only affects health but also limits productivity, stressing that restoring sight enables individuals to return to work and improve their livelihoods.
Dr. Patrick Ogwal, the in-charge of Aduku Health Center IV, commended the visiting team for extending critical services to the community. In addition to surgeries, about 500 patients received corrective lenses during the outreach.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying the restored vision will enable them to lead independent and productive lives.
This is the second such surgical camp conducted at Aduku Health Center IV by LRRH, following a similar initiative in 2025.
