In October 2025, Mission Relief marked World Sight Day with two eye camps in partnership with the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH). The initiative aimed to provide free eye care to those who could not otherwise afford it, offering consultations, medication, and life-changing cataract surgeries.
The camps were organised with the support of Shiloh Eye Association Limited, CHEPs Centre for Health and Education Programmes, and the Fred Hollows Foundation.
Free Eye Care for the Community
The first camp took place on 8 and 9 October at the CGTRH eye clinic. Over the two days, hundreds of people attended for free eye checks and consultations, prescriptions, reading glasses, and treatment for various eye-related conditions.
For many, this was their first opportunity to see an eye specialist. Most of the beneficiaries were people who had been struggling with poor vision or complete sight loss caused by cataracts and other treatable conditions.
Restoring Sight Through Cataract Surgery
On 14 and 15 October, the second phase of the camp focused entirely on cataract surgery. Fifty people received free operations to restore their sight.
For those living with cataracts, blindness can mean the loss of independence and the inability to work or go to school. Through these surgeries, many regained their sight and, with it, the ability to support their families, return to education, or simply see their loved ones again.
In Kenya, half of all preventable blindness is caused by cataracts. By providing free surgery, Mission Relief and its partners are helping to reduce that statistic and change lives for good.
Real Stories of Change
Hamza, Mission Relief’s founder, shared one story that captured the purpose behind the eye camp:
“I met an elderly man who had lost his sight years ago and hadn’t done anything about it. Not because there was no cure, but because he simply couldn’t afford the treatment.
He has children who depend on him, but without sight, he couldn’t work or provide. He told me he’d just learned to live in the dark.
Thanks to the support of Mission Relief and our Business Partner Circle members, he was one of 50 people who had their sight restored through cataract surgery. He’ll be back again today for his second operation on his other eye.”
Stories like his highlight why accessible healthcare is essential and how small interventions can transform entire lives.
A Ripple Effect of Hope
The impact of these eye camps extends beyond the patients themselves. Restoring sight means restoring independence. Those who once relied on others can now work, study, and contribute to their families and communities again.
Through regular eye services and cataract surgery initiatives, hundreds of beneficiaries have already received treatment. Mission Relief remains committed to continuing these efforts, ensuring that poverty never stands in the way of clear vision.
But we’re not stopping now, we’re holding more eye camps going forward. Help us in giving the gift of sight back to the Kenyan community by donating to our appeal.
