We met with Mr. George in December 2023 at Bar Agulu Dispensary during an eye screening activity we were conducting .The old man was patiently seated next to a teenage boy, his grandson. The boy had accompanied his grandfather to the health facility as an aide during the visit since he is crippled. The sight of George caught our attention immediately since he is physically disabled and you could easily sight his scratches close to where he sat.
“Am George Samuel Owiti, 75 years old, resident of Nyajuok Village in Alego Usonga sub-county. Am a father of ten children and blessed with many grandchildren. Today I have come to this health facility to get my eye checked since I heard about doctors coming here to treat patients who have eye problems and I therefore told my grandson to help me get here.” Reported George
“I have been accused of many things and a lot has been said about my eyes.” George continued “If only I had got the correct information earlier, may be my eye condition would not have been the way it is now. I have been advised to use herbs and different concoctions which have all been in vain”
George’s story is similar to many other stories we have heard in our locality. Cataract is predominant among the elderly population in Siaya county. In most cases, misconceptions are high amongst community members and little is known about cataract as a treatable eye condition and as a result, many people continue losing sight as a result. Some of the common misconceptions around cataract include: –
- Someone with cataract has probably been bewitched
- Cataract is an indication of a bad omen for those affected
- Cataract indicates a sign of evil for those with the condition.
As a result of misinformation, the community has put lots of efforts which are always futile and include; applying herbal medicines, invoking the gods through spiritual doctors, prayers by priests among other efforts. For George, his condition had put him through a lot. The mild eye problem that started two years ago had proved to be a thorn in a flesh.
“Today I have become a burden to my grandchildren and children” George complained, “I can not do a lot of things by myself without the help of my family. I am also accused, by my own family, of being a bad omen and some say I have been bewitched. I wish I could overcome this condition and get back to do my daily chores and not be a bother.”
Another stumbling block to most cases has been meeting the cost of treatment. Earlier in the year, George had visited the Siaya County Referral Hospital where he was first diagnosed with cataract and was required to pay for his medical cost but as situation would have it, George could not afford the cost and since he lacked any medical cover, his treatment was not successful and was forced to wait for an angel of good hope.
GLOBCOM, through the integrated cataract project that is supported by Australia aid through the Fred Hollows foundation, was able to help George get treatment. He was booked for a cataract surgery which was fully sponsored and done by the doctors during the cataract surgical outreach that happened at the Siaya county referral hospital on 13th of December 2023.
The cataract project has enabled thousands regain their sight as a result of the free cataract surgical outreaches that are held once every month across Siaya county. In the year 2023 alone, GLOBCOM conducted a total 15 surgical outreaches in Bondo and Alego sub-counties where 528 people (306 Females and 222 Males) received free cataract surgeries to help end avoidable blindness. Over 70% of those who benefit from these cataract surgeries are elderly persons who are 60 years and above.
“I am very grateful for the support accorded by GLOBCOM, and its team. Your support has brought back life to me and I am today a strong and happy man again, Nyasaye ogwethu (God bless you).” Said George
