Daru Provincial Hospital received a brand-new Slit Lamp device to improve its eye care services to the public on Monday 4th of July through the Fred Hollows Foundation.
The slit lamp is special microscope and light that allows examination of eyes in the three- dimensions, both inside and out to detect diseases or abnormalities .
This will now enable the two eye clinicians to conduct proper examinations and diagnose eyes diseases on patients presenting with eye symptoms at the hospital.
Prior to this, the eye specialists have been providing basic check-ups and treatments including subscription of glasses to patients.
Specialist Eye Nurse Sister (Sr) Helen Gagole said, “There has been an increase in the number of patients with eye conditions in March this year prompting the need for expansion of this service at the hospital.”
“Plans for a proper eye- clinic setup and refurbishment are underway ,” Sr. Gagole added.
Western provincial Health Authority’s Director for Curative Health Services Dr. Miriram Boge said, ” This is an accurate diagnosis can be made with appropriate treatment and early referrals needed.”
Eye consultations are now available at the hospital on Fridays every week.
There are about 300 known patients with preventable blindness in Western Province who need such vital service.