About the Program

The long-term objective of the Nakuru Eye Unit Development Program is to assist in building the capacity of existing health services as well as to reduce the backlog and incidence of cataract and other causes of blindness in Eastern Africa.

Since 2004 The Fred Hollows Foundation has been developing a program plan and establishing a presence with prospective partners in Kenya and the greater Eastern Africa region. The approach being used in the Nakuru Eye Unit Development Program has been evolving as planning progresses and further support and networks are built.

In 2005 the Nakuru Eye Unit, which is in the Rift Valley Province, was upgraded to improve the accessibility to eye care services for people living in remote areas, specifically the poorest of the poor. The changes to the Eye Unit have also facilitated the development of a centre of eye care excellence in the region, which will in turn provide support to provincial, national and global initiatives targeted at eliminating avoidable blindness.

The Eye Unit is being based on a private/public cost recovery model, where patients who are able to afford it, pay for their treatment. This then subsidises patients who are unable to pay. 

This system presents an opportunity to try the first cost sustainable model in Kenya. It is anticipated that, if successful, the model could be able to be replicated throughout Eastern Africa.

Resources needed to achieve success using this model include appropriate facilities and infrastructure, adequately trained staff, the provision of equipment and supplies, and efficient administrative support.