Health 16 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
West Nile Residents Face Stark Challenges in Accessing Eye Care
Many families in Uganda's West Nile region grapple with debilitating eye conditions, often exacerbated by poverty and limited access to specialized medical services. The high cost of treatment and a scarcity of local facilities force many to rely on infrequent medical camps, frequently seeking help only when their sight is severely compromised. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/the-struggle-for-eye-care-in-west-nile-5634094
For numerous families in the West Nile Sub-region, vision problems transcend mere health concerns, impacting livelihoods and daily independence. Conditions ranging from blurry vision to complete blindness can render individuals unable to work, care for their families, or navigate their surroundings safely.
Poverty significantly compounds these issues. The cost of consultations, transportation, medication, and potential surgery places an immense burden on families already struggling to meet basic needs. Many are forced to wait for announcements about distant medical camps, delaying crucial treatment.
Mr. Charles Drani’s experience highlights this struggle. After trying ineffective local remedies for itching eyes, he found his local health center lacked the necessary facilities. “Many people in the villages have eye complications but nowhere to seek help,” he stated.
Specialists like Dr. Amos Nyathirombo confirm the prohibitive cost of eye care, with cataract surgery alone costing upwards of Shs500,000. This often pushes patients towards free surgical camps, which are frequently announced via radio. “It is very difficult to manage eye problems worldwide because of the drugs and equipment that are difficult to acquire,” Dr. Nyathirombo explained.
These eye camps, while providing relief, often see patients who have already lost significant vision. At a recent camp in Arua, only 123 out of 308 patients were eligible for surgery, underscoring the scale of the problem. The Ministry of Health acknowledges disparities in access, noting that despite policy for free public eye care, funding shortages can lead to out-of-pocket expenses.
Effective eye care requires greater investment in infrastructure, training, and sustainable financing, particularly for rural and underserved communities. Integrating eye care into routine health services and ensuring early detection and treatment are crucial steps forward, as outlined in the National Eye Health Strategic Plan (2021/22–2025/26).
Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/the-struggle-for-eye-care-in-west-nile-5634094