A new specialized eye hospital has opened its doors in Kisumu, making optical, general, and specialized eye-care services more accessible to patients in Nyanza, Western Kenya, and the broader East African region.
The Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital Kisumu was officially inaugurated on Saturday by Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, who emphasized that this facility will significantly address the region’s growing demand for specialized eye-care services.
This state-of-the-art facility provides a comprehensive range of optical and general eye-care services, alongside specialized and surgical procedures, thereby expanding treatment options for patients in the region.
Prof. Nyong’o highlighted the hospital as one of the largest and most comprehensive eye-care centers in the area, stating that its establishment will restore sight and hope for countless individuals.
He noted that many patients, who previously faced long journeys to seek specialized treatment, can now access these vital services closer to home.
“Our community no longer has to travel to Nairobi at significant costs and delays to receive help. The assistance they need has arrived at our doorstep,” Prof. Nyong’o remarked during the inauguration.
The governor expressed that this facility will empower patients to regain their independence and lead productive lives.
“Today, the Lions Club has provided Kisumu with more than just a hospital; you have offered our people the opportunity to see their children again, return to work, read, and engage independently, all while facing the future with renewed confidence,” he stated.
Prof. Nyong’o affirmed that the hospital will serve not only Kisumu but also patients from across Western Kenya and the entire East African region.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili recognized the facility as a vital enhancement to the city’s healthcare infrastructure, benefiting patients from the larger western region and beyond.
“This is an invaluable addition to our city,” Dr. Owili remarked.
Principal Secretary in the State Department for Children Services, CPA Carren Achieng Ageng’o, emphasized the hospital’s significance for children and families requiring specialized eye care.
She pointed out that good vision is critical for a child’s development and education, stressing that untreated vision issues can hinder their ability to learn, play, communicate, and fully engage in society.
“A child who struggles with their vision may face challenges in learning,” Ageng’o articulated.
She urged the hospital to prioritize children with disabilities and other vulnerable groups who might encounter additional obstacles in accessing specialized healthcare.
Ageng’o also advocated for collaborative partnerships among the hospital, communities, schools, and government agencies to promote early screening, prevention, and timely treatment of eye conditions, especially for children.
Project chairman Selayan Ramesh Mehta, a former district governor of Lions District 411, stated that the facility was created to enhance access to quality eye-care services in the region.
The hospital is poised to welcome patients from counties throughout Nyanza and Western Kenya, as well as neighboring East African countries, thereby reinforcing Kisumu’s status as a regional healthcare hub.
With its extensive range of optical, general, specialized, and surgical services, the hospital aims to minimize the need for patients to travel outside the region for treatment.
This commissioning marks the launch of a facility dedicated not only to treatment but also to restoring sight, enhancing quality of life, and broadening access to specialized eye care.
