An eye specialist has urged Ugandans to seek professional examinations before buying spectacles, warning that using inappropriate lenses can delay the diagnosis and treatment of serious eye conditions.
Eye specialist Steven Mugera has warned Ugandans against buying spectacles from unqualified dealers without undergoing proper eye examinations, cautioning that the practice could delay the diagnosis and treatment of serious eye conditions.
Mugera issued the warning during a free medical camp organised by the Naluvule United Family's Association in Naluvule, Wakiso District, where hundreds of residents turned up for examinations and treatment for various health conditions.
The outreach offered free screening and treatment for eye conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart-related conditions and other illnesses as part of efforts to promote preventive healthcare and early disease detection.
Mugera expressed concern that some people develop or worsen vision problems by purchasing spectacles without first consulting qualified eye specialists.
He explained that people who buy spectacles from unqualified dealers may fail to identify the underlying cause of their vision problems, potentially delaying appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
“Many people are buying spectacles without first undergoing proper eye examinations. This is dangerous because some eye conditions require specialised treatment, and using inappropriate spectacles may delay the detection of serious problems,” Mugera warned.
He urged the public to prioritise regular eye examinations and seek professional guidance from qualified specialists rather than buying spectacles from roadside vendors and other unqualified dealers.
“We encourage Ugandans to visit recognised health facilities where qualified eye specialists can examine them and recommend appropriate treatment. Early detection is very important in preventing avoidable vision complications,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lawrence Mulinda, the patron of the Naluvule United Family's Association, said the medical camp was organised in response to growing demand for affordable healthcare services among residents.
Mulinda said financial challenges prevent many people in the community from undergoing routine medical examinations, leaving some illnesses undetected until they become severe.
“Our residents have been requesting such medical services for a long time. We decided to organise this medical camp to give them an opportunity to understand their health conditions and receive treatment. We intend to continue organising similar programmes to improve the health of our community,” Mulinda said.
The association's chairperson, Frederick Damulira, welcomed the turnout, saying the initiative had enabled residents to access medical services they might otherwise struggle to afford.
He said beneficiaries received free medical consultations, treatment and spectacles, describing the exercise as an important step towards improving access to healthcare.
“We are pleased with the response from residents. Many people have received free medical examinations and treatment, including spectacles for those with vision problems. Our goal is to ensure that residents remain healthy and receive medical attention before their conditions become serious,” Damulira said.
Residents who benefited from the outreach praised the organisers for bringing healthcare services closer to their community. They said the initiative had enabled them to undergo medical examinations and tests for conditions they had previously overlooked.
Some beneficiaries said the high cost of medical services discourages people from seeking regular checkups, making free medical camps an important avenue for promoting early diagnosis. They called for similar initiatives to be organised more frequently, particularly for vulnerable families unable to afford routine medical examinations.
Health professionals at the camp encouraged Ugandans to undergo regular medical checkups even when they have no symptoms, stressing the importance of preventive healthcare.
The Naluvule United Family's Association pledged to continue mobilising resources and working with medical professionals to extend affordable healthcare services to more residents.