Free Eye Camp in Bukedea draws thousands

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Thousands of people with vision challenges showed up on Friday (March 27) for the Free Eye Camp organised by the Ruparelia Foundation in Uganda's eastern district of Bukedea.

The outreach, held at Bukedea Teaching Hospital, drew people from across the Teso sub-region and neighbouring Bugisu.

The initiative is part of efforts by the Ruparelia family to commemorate their late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, who died in a car crash last May at the Busabala Flyover along the Entebbe Expressway.

“Rajiv was someone who always went beyond the norm, and that is why we are here,” said his sister, Sheena Ruparelia.

The three-day camp, which is running until Sunday, is offering comprehensive eye care services, including screening for cataracts, surgeries, and free prescription glasses for both children and adults.

Sheena Ruparelia, the daughter of Ruparelia addressing the press on behalf of her family. Looking on is her father and mother together with Lawrence Muganga, the Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University.

“Most medical camps only screen patients and leave them to find treatment on their own. For us, we screen and treat,” said Sheena.

'It's the impact that counts'

A team of 15 eye specialists, including surgeons from across Uganda, is expected to attend to at least 4,000 patients. By midday on Friday, the camp had already drawn an estimated 2,000 people seeking treatment.

“We are overwhelmed by the turnout today,” said Sheena.

By then, surgeons had successfully conducted 10 operations, including procedures on two children.

When asked about the cost of organising the camp, Sheena emphasised impact over expenditure. “It’s not about how much we have spent, but the difference we are making."

Lawrence Muganga, the Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University and a friend of the late Rajiv, commended the family for the initiative, describing Rajiv as a compassionate individual who cared deeply about humanity.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support. One of them, Celestine Apeet, was pleased to receive free glasses after screening. 

“They have saved me from going to Tororo, where I had been referred. Today I have received medication and reading glasses for free,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Justine Inyalio, said he had been unable to afford treatment in Mbale after being referred from Bukedea.

In addition to eye care services, the camp also included a blood donation drive that attracted hundreds of participants, led by Bukedea MP-elect David Beecham Okwere.