Over the past 30 years, Kabgayi Eye Hospital has undergone a remarkable journey of growth and development, particularly after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Following the collapse of many sectors in the country, including healthcare, institutions like Kabgayi Eye Hospital had to start from scratch to rebuild.
Rwanda’s health sector has made significant strides in providing advanced medical services, including surgery and cancer treatment.
Among these advancements, eye care has also seen notable progress, largely thanks to the efforts of Kabgayi Referral Centre in Eye Care.
In a recent interview with Dr. Theophile Tuyisabe, the hospital’s General Director, he shed light on the hospital’s evolution. Initially established as a branch of Kabgayi Hospital, Kabgayi Eye Hospital has grown into a Referral Centre in Eye Care.
Dr. Tuyisabe highlighted the challenges faced during the hospital’s development, particularly in the aftermath of the genocide when the country lacked local specialists in ophthalmology. This led to a reliance on foreign expertise, with only one Belgian specialist initially serving the hospital on a monthly basis.
However, efforts to train Rwandan professionals in ophthalmology began, with individuals receiving training both locally and abroad.
The establishment of an ophthalmology department at the University of Rwanda was a significant milestone, enabling technicians to receive courses in Kigali and reducing dependence on foreign specialists.
Over the years, the hospital has seen an increase in Rwandan ophthalmologists and technicians, with a total of four Rwandan ophthalmologists and 20 assistant technicians currently serving alongside one foreign specialist.
This has expanded the hospital’s capacity to treat a diverse patient population, including many from neighboring East African countries and the Great Lakes Region.
In addition to providing treatment for various eye conditions, including cancer, Kabgayi Eye Hospital is committed to ensuring accessibility and affordability for all patients. Collaborations with district hospitals and health centers in Muhanga aim to reach patients regardless of their financial means.
Moreover, the hospital extends support beyond medical treatment, assisting patients throughout their journey, including those who have lost their sight completely. Dr. Tuyisabe shared an inspiring example of a visually impaired young person who received assistance and now excels in sewing despite being totally blind.
Overall, Kabgayi Referral Centre in Eye Care stands as a beacon of high-quality eye care services, offering diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate support to patients in need.