Failure to treat eye conditions on time is a major concern, as it significantly contributes to the growing number of people with visual impairments.
According to a 2023 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 2.2 billion people globally have near or distance vision impairment. Of these, at least 1 billion cases could have been prevented or treated if addressed early.
The leading causes of vision impairment and blindness include:Cataracts, affecting approximately 94 million people, Refractive errors, affecting around 88.4 million people, age-related eye diseases, affecting about 8 million people, Glaucoma, affecting around 7.7 million people, Diabetic retinopathy, affecting about 3.9 million people.
Presbyopia, often associated with aging, is a significant cause of vision impairment, typically emerging between the ages of 40 and 65 and affecting around 826 million people globally.
In an interview, Dr. Theophile Tuyisabe, the Director of Kabgayi Eye Hospital, emphasized the sadness of preventable blindness.
He stated, “Regardless of age, anyone can encounter vision problems, but it is particularly tragic when blindness could have been prevented with timely medical intervention.”
Dr. Tuyisabe highlighted the detrimental impact of blindness, which often necessitates dependence on others for daily activities.
He urged individuals with eye issues to seek medical advice promptly and avoid self-medication with unapproved remedies.
“Whenever you experience unexplained eye problems, visit a hospital immediately, consult doctors, and follow their advice. Ignoring such issues can lead to permanent blindness, making it much harder to seek help later,” he advised.
As per Dr. Tuyisabe, Kabgayi Eye Unit is committed to assisting everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
He mentions that the hospital has implemented concrete measures to help those who cannot afford treatment.
“At Kabgayi, we have made significant efforts to ensure that everyone can receive eye care, even without financial means. Lack of funds should not be a barrier to treatment. The government provides health insurance support, and if all else fails, do not hesitate to come to Kabgayi Eye Hospital; we will do our best to help you return to your normal life,” he assured.
The hospital’s mission is to restore vision and enhance the personal and national development of its patients.
Currently, Kabgayi Eye Hospital offers a wide range of high-quality eye care services, including eye disease diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and support for those with permanent vision loss to help them lead productive lives.
A 2015 study by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the International Center for Eye Health (ICEH), revealed that 1% of Rwandans aged 50 and above have blindness, while 84% suffer from treatable eye diseases.
