The scale of untreated eye conditions in Eastern Uganda has been laid bare by the ongoing Rajiv Ruparelia (RR) Free Eye Camp in Bukedea, prompting urgent calls for government intervention to address the deepening eye care crisis.
Thousands of residents have flocked to Bukedea Teaching Hospital since the camp opened on Friday, highlighting both the critical shortage of ophthalmic services and the pressing need for a systemic response.
Speaking on Day Two of the three-day outreach, Ms Sheena Ruparelia, Director at the Ruparelia Group and Trustee of the Ruparelia Foundation, described the turnout as “overwhelming,” revealing that more than 1,500 patients had been attended to in just two days.
She further disclosed that 33 percent of those screened require surgical intervention,an indicator of the severity of untreated eye conditions in the region.
“So far, we have screened more than 1,500 patients. Over 330 require surgery, and we have already completed 88 adult and 12 children’s surgeries. We are pushing to clear the backlog before the camp closes,” Ms Ruparelia said.
She added that medical teams conducted 50 surgeries on Saturday alone, with a target of 100 procedures for the day, underscoring the intensity and urgency of the operation.
The camp has also distributed over 400 eyeglasses to adults and issued prescriptions for children, restoring sight and enabling patients to resume normal daily activities.
Among the most inspiring cases is that of an 11-year-old boy who received corrective glasses, allowing him to return to school. In another case, a one-and-a-half-year-old child born with cataracts can now see for the first time ,marking a life-changing moment for the family.
Dr Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, said the overwhelming response reflects both the magnitude of need in Teso and broader systemic gaps in Uganda’s eye care sector.
“On Day One, nearly 3,000 people arrived seeking treatment. Many came from as far as Kenya, Gulu, Moroto, and Katakwi,” he noted, adding that similar surgeries in private facilities cost between Shs3 million and Shs15 million—far beyond the reach of most rural families.
Dr Muganga called on government authorities to prioritise investment in eye care infrastructure and personnel, stressing that reliance on charitable initiatives, while commendable, is not a sustainable solution.
“This camp demonstrates the urgent need for state-supported eye care services to prevent avoidable blindness and improve quality of life for vulnerable populations,” he said.
The Ruparelia Foundation has also facilitated referrals for complex cases to Mulago National Referral Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute, covering transport and related costs. Patients requiring post-surgical care are being monitored at Bukedea Teaching Hospital to ensure proper recovery.
Comedian and MC Patrick Idringi, popularly known as Salvado, described the camp as a fitting tribute to the late Rajiv Ruparelia.
“The smiles, hope, and joy here show the impact of this initiative. People are coming from far and wide even camping here just to receive treatment,” he said.
The three-day camp continues until Sunday evening, with more than 200 volunteers and at least 15 Ugandan doctors working extended hours to meet the overwhelming demand.
Health officials and organisers have urged residents across Bukedea and neighbouring districts to take advantage of the remaining day of free medical services.