Kampala – Nsambya Hospital has raised a red flag over the increased cases of eye diseases in the country. The number of patients coming for treatment has skyrocketed, with more than 50 people accessing the facility daily for eye-related illnesses, a situation that has caused congestion and prompted the hospital management to expand the eye care section.

While commissioning the new eye care unit, the Executive Director of the hospital, Dr. Andrew Muyingo Ssekitoleko, said that expansion will see the facility treat up to 2,000 patients daily. Early eye check-ups, he warned, are paramount since most complications set in due to delayed diagnosis. He appealed to Ugandans to go for check-ups as a precautionary measure, ensuring that in case there is a complication, it gets treated before worsening.

The event was graced by former Lions International President Dr. Patti Hill, accompanied by delegates from Lions International District 411B of Uganda. Dr. Hill lauded the effort put into the hospital and reassured their commitment toward Lion Clubs for the betterment of health amongst Ugandans. She shared her organisation’s mission in order to take care of vulnerable groups and promised more collaboration with Nsambya Hospital as concerns about eye care are tacked.

The event was also graced by the District Governor of Lions International District 411B, Benon Kataate, who called upon Ugandans to take eye health seriously and go for check-ups. Kataate explained that early detection can prevent many vision-related diseases and at the same time improve living standards among patients.

Professor Fred Ssengoba, Chairman of Nsambya Hospital’s Board of Directors, described the increasing number of eye disease cases in Uganda as alarming. He noted that the new eye care unit is a critical step in addressing this growing health challenge. With the expanded facility now operational, the hospital aims to reduce overcrowding and provide better access to specialized eye treatment for patients.

The new unit is expected to bring much-needed relief to patients who have been struggling to access timely and quality eye care. Nsambya Hospital has long been a trusted healthcare provider in Uganda, and the expansion forms part of its continuous efforts to improve services and meet community needs. The management of the hospital expects the new facility to ease congestion but also increase awareness of the importance of eye health.

Eye diseases remain one of the greatest public health concerns in Uganda due to cataracts, glaucoma, and other infectious conditions. Because of inadequate access to eye care services, most of the people cannot get timely treatment, particularly in rural areas. The expansion of Nsambya Hospital is a way of addressing that gap and making sure more people can access their needed care.

The hospital has been supported in these efforts by organizations such as the Lions Club, which has over the years been working to improve eye health across the globe. Such partnerships allow Nsambya Hospital to continue improving its services and reaching more patients. This partnership between the hospital and the Lions Club is a perfect example of how organizations can team up together to make a difference in people’s lives.

As the new eye care unit starts operations, Nsambya Hospital appeals to the public to utilize the expanded services. Regular eye check-ups are an important part of maintaining good vision and preventing major eye conditions. By prioritizing eye health, Ugandans can protect their vision and avoid the complications associated with untreated eye diseases.

This, therefore, means that the extension of eye care services at Nsambya Hospital marks an important milestone in Uganda’s health system. This is an indication that the hospital is committed to addressing the needs of its patients and ensuring better quality of care. Equipped with this new unit, the hospital will be better prepared to handle increasing demand for eye treatment and bring hope and healing to thousands of people.

The efforts instituted by Nsambya Hospital to expand the eye care facility are a welcoming move in an effort to curtail the evil of eye-related diseases in the country. By opening this unit, congestion shall be reduced hence access to better specialized treatment increased, and hopefully, more needy patients will find the care accorded to them. With support from partners, such as Lions Club, they are sure going to continue being an important home touching the lives of many Ugandans. The message is clear: Regular eye check-ups are crucial, and early detection can save sight.