Mengo Hospital has offered free eye care services to over 200 people as part of activities marking World Sight Week, with medical experts warning that preventable blindness remains a major public health concern in Uganda.
According to Dr. Lisbon Aliraki, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of the Eye Department at Mengo Hospital, eye diseases rank among the top five reasons for outpatient visits in both public and private hospitals across the country.
“We know that eye problems are the fifth leading cause of outpatient visits in Ugandan hospitals,” Dr. Aliraki said during a community outreach at Mengo Hospital.
“Unfortunately, many people still believe blindness is a matter of fate, yet most causes can actually be treated or prevented.”
The hospital launched a two-day free eye camp to provide consultations, screening, and discounted lenses as part of efforts to raise awareness about eye health. On the first day, more than 200 patients received free treatment, with the hospital expecting to attend to more people on the second day.
Dr. Aliraki said recent surveys show that blindness levels in Uganda are higher than previously estimated.
“Past studies put blindness at about 0.4 percent of the population, but new research conducted between 2023 and 2024 shows that in some regions, such as Karamoja, the rate is as high as 4.9 percent,” he noted
“This shows that despite progress, blindness is catching up with us.”
He identified cataracts as the leading cause of blindness in Uganda, responsible for more than half of all cases, but emphasized that most cataracts are reversible.
“Age is the biggest risk factor, but cataracts can also result from diabetes, eye injuries, or infections,” Dr. Aliraki explained. “The good news is that cataract blindness can be treated.”
The ophthalmologist also cautioned the public against self-medication and harmful traditional practices such as applying urine or herbal extracts to the eyes.
“Some people still believe eye problems are caused by witchcraft or spirits,” he said. “These are real diseases that need medical attention. Please come to the hospital don’t put herbs or urine in your eyes.”
Mengo Hospital’s eye department will also participate in the national World Sight Day celebrations scheduled for October 16 in Masindi District, where free eye surgeries and lenses will be provided to patients in need.
