Kasese District is grappling with a growing number of learners suffering from blindness, a crisis that is progressively undermining the quality of education in the area.
Dr. Amon Bwambale, the District Health Officer, confirmed the development and said that they have trained and commissioned 38 secondary school teachers as frontline workers to lead the campaign to combat the problem, which he says is contributing to a significant educational setback.
Dr. Bwambale revealed that recent research by Dr. Arunga Eye Hospital in Fort Portal City highlighted Kasese as having one of the highest rates of eye-related health issues in Uganda. The alarming findings, he noted, have prompted his office to partner with the specialized eye hospital to train teachers in basic eye screening skills.
“These teachers will now be equipped to identify students with potential vision problems and refer them immediately for specialized care. Early intervention can make all the difference,” Dr. Bwambale explained.
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Dr. Viola Arunga, the Executive Director of Dr. Arunga Eye Hospital, emphasized the importance of early detection in preventing blindness.
“With regular eye screenings, timely surgeries, and improved nutrition, we can virtually eliminate blindness in the Rwenzori sub-region. But this requires a collective effort from both the community and local institutions,” she said.
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Despite the promising collaboration, stakeholders identified several persistent barriers to addressing blindness in Kasese. Poverty remains a key obstacle, with many families unable to afford eye care.
Limited access to healthcare services, coupled with widespread ignorance about available treatments, further compounds the issue. Additionally, stigma surrounding eye conditions in the community discourages individuals from seeking medical help.
Dr. Bwambale acknowledged these challenges but stressed the importance of community awareness in combating blindness.
“We must work together to remove the stigma, improve access to treatment, and ensure that no learner is left behind due to preventable blindness,” he stated.
The campaign aims to reduce the prevalence of blindness in Kasese by promoting early detection and intervention through school-based screening programs.
However, the success of the initiative will depend largely on overcoming the socio-economic and cultural barriers that continue to hinder access to eye care.
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