Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, the chief guest, recalled his father’s near‑blindness and a costly cataract operation in South Africa, using the story to call for greater public and insurance support for eye care.

Hassan warned that specialised eye treatment remains expensive and that some insurance schemes provide limited cover, urging that cost should not deter early diagnosis.

Doctors at the hospital highlighted glaucoma as a silent cause of irreversible blindness, especially within the Somali community, and stressed that regular pressure checks can catch the disease before vision loss becomes permanent.

Dr Ali Hassan explained that elevated eye pressure results from fluid drainage failure and advised residents to undergo comprehensive eye examinations rather than rely on current visual clarity.

Linking diabetes to retinal damage, Dr Ali also urged people with high blood sugar to have routine eye checks even in the absence of symptoms, noting that untreated changes can lead to serious vision problems.

The Eastleigh branch, opened to bring specialised services closer to the community, offers eye examinations, optical care, a pharmacy, laboratory services and a surgical centre, as well as ENT, diabetes and hypertension screening.

Hospital chairman reaffirmed a commitment to affordable, quality eye care, while business community secretary Omar Hussein encouraged residents to use free screening campaigns announced on social media to detect problems early.

Hussein also highlighted that affordability remains a barrier for some, calling on health providers and neighbours to support less‑privileged patients who cannot meet treatment costs.

The event also reflected on Eastleigh’s broader transformation from a poorly serviced area to a thriving commercial hub, with improved infrastructure and diverse communities increasing demand for comprehensive health services.

Doctors concluded by urging residents not to wait for visible deterioration, emphasizing that regular eye exams can identify silent conditions and preserve independence.