Bloom Hospital has launched free cataract surgical camp in Nakuru county.
The camp was launched on Tuesday January 20, 2026 at Bloom Hospital Nakuru situated at Golden Life Mall.
It is an initiative enabled through partnership with Hands of Charity organization with funding from Islamic Development Bank.
The camp that involves community outreach in various estates among them Bondeni, will run until January 24, 2026.
The aim of the week-long free camp is to restore sight and improve the quality of life for hundreds of men and women suffering from cataract-related blindness, majority of whom are unable to access or afford specialised eye care services.
Speaking to press during the launch, Dr. Mohamed Habsah, Health Lead at Hands of Charity, lauded the partnership.
He pointed out that it will go a long way in reviving lives through restoration of sight even as plans are on to reach more scope both in Kenya and in other countries that are in need.
According to him, this program helps reach out to vulnerable groups in society who cannot afford specialised care.
Moving forward, the program he revealed will also focus on other health conditions besides cataracts and eye problems.
“We are targetting 2000 patients and we hope to have successful surgery exercises. This is the first ever community outreach abd we plan to scale it up and even cover more areas,” he stated.
Chief Surgeon Consultant at Bloom Hospital Nakuru Dr. Yildirim Mansur revealed that 50 percent of population in Nakuru have cataract problem.
He was however quick to point out that through surgery at Bloom Hospital branches, the sight can be restored.
“We handle 50 surgeries per day but here during this camp we intend to handle over 500 cases and ensure restoration of sight,” he said.
According to Dr. Mansur, majority of cataract cases can be attributed to old age.
He appealed to all residents moreso as from age 40 years to avail themselves for screening.
However, the medical officer also recommends that children should undergo the eye screening before school age.
But then what happens when one has failed to treat cataracts for long?
Well, Dr. Mansur states that if not taken care of, cataracts, it might affect the optic nerve and mess up the whole system.
“Early diagnosis, removal of the cataract helps the situation of the patient,” he stated.
Sentiments echoed by the Coordinator of the Program Dr. Ahmed Farag who is ENT specialist.
The visiting medic was categorical that the aim of the camp is to help vulnerable individuals enjoy life after their eyes are restored.
He added that the medical camp is free and that the team will conduct community outreaches so as to reach out to the patients at grassroot who cannot make it to the facility for screening.
“There are patients who cannot make it to hospitals and that is why we are reaching out in communities so that they can be assisted through this program. Besides the elderly, we are also doing screening for the school going children,” he stated.
Before surgery is done, investigations are done on the patient, screening and then the team explains to the patient the benefit of the patient before recommendantion for surgery using our high standard equipment.
The patients who have undergone eye cataract surgery are then monitored closely before being discharged.
Some of the beneficiaries of the cataract free medical camp could not hide their joy.
Speaking to members of the press, they lauded Bloom Hospital, Hands of Charity and Islamic Development Bank for stepping in.
Led by elderly Chege Mbatia, they noted that they had difficult time in accessing eye services due to harsh economic times.
“Nilikuwa hapa na nikatibiwa lakini hii macho yangu ingine ikaleta shida na ndio niliposikia wako na matibabu ya bure nikasema wacha nikuje( I had come here before one of my eyes was treated off cataract. The other eye also developed the same condition and was wondering how I would get treated yet i had no money. Until I heard that Bloom Hospital was coming up with this camp and that is why I am here and I believe that I will be okay and able to see again),” stated Mzee Chege.
Sentiments echoed by Regina Mwangi from Umoja 2 Lanet.
she lauded the treatment she received from the free cataract camp.
“Hii jicho moja nilichinjwa hapa na sasa naona hata naeza ona ule amevaa shirt ya checked na ule mwingine ni bluu. Lakini sasa nataka kuenda hii ingine ndio niweze kuona na macho mbili( I was treated here my eye and now I can see even what one is putting on. I am going for the second surgery so that I can see with my two eyes,” she stated.
Sentiments echoed by another beneficiary James Muchiri from Elburgon.
For him, it is life restored as he can see again courtesy Bloom Hospital, Hands of Charity and Islamic Development Bank.