In collaboration with USA Foundation March to the Top and the Hon. Dr Daniel Manduku M.P for the Nyabari, Masaba constituency, MEAK travelled to Masimba, the south west of the country, close to the Tanzanian and Ugandan borders. This site was chosen due to need for corrective eye surgery and the high level of engagement from the government to facilitate logistics and mobilisation of patients.
The team of 13 medical personnel professionals, including screening ophthalmologists, two cataract surgeons, nurses and a dentist saw over 3,200 patients over a very busy 7-day mission.
A trip highlight was the opportunity to mentor and teach local healthcare workers to help improve the diagnosis and treatment options for common eye conditions, performed alongside cataract surgery to restore sight and dental procedures to relieve the chronic suffering of dental pain.
The following were distributed to patients:
- 800 pairs of ‘easyreader’ glasses
- 300 pairs of sunglasses and 20 pairs of photochromatic glasses.
- 2,550 bottles of vitamin and antibiotic eye drops were dispensed, with 300 of those reserved for post-operative reviews for when some of the team members returned in September to review the cataract surgery patients.
MEAK extends a heartfelt thanks to the March to the Top Foundation and to Mr Benson Okebe and Dr Daniel Manduku for their help with local co-ordination. This eye mission was a resounding success thanks to the commitment and cooperation of all parties involved.