Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. Highly skilled and trained, these medical professionals play a key role in the care of the sick, offering an essential service to our society. That’s why on May 12 the world celebrates their contributions on International Nurses Day.

For eye patients in Kenya’s Busia County, ophthalmic nurses like Alice Otieno are the first health workers they see and the ones they spend most of their time with at the hospital.

In East Africa, nurses are at the centre of the eye care system, making up nearly 85 percent of the health workforce.

That’s why The Fred Hollows Foundation supports nurses like Alice, who started as an ophthalmic assistant in 2012 before becoming an ophthalmic nurse.

Alice

The Foundation supported her studies in Higher National Diploma training in Ophthalmic Nursing at the Kenya Medical Training College.

Delivering quality eye health services requires strong governance, financing, supply chain development and workforce planning.

“The Fred Hollows Foundation has been supporting staff training, transporting eye equipment for surgical outreaches, and equipping and renovating the eye clinic,” Alice said.

IWD

“Eye health has not been easy for people to access due to a lack of awareness. The Foundation has also been involved in creating awareness of free and affordable eye services closer to where people live.

“The partnership between The Foundation and Busia Eye Clinic has resulted in an increased number of people attending the clinics and better eye health services.

“Eye health is very interesting to me. The eye is an important organ of the body and so special.

IWD

“Healthy eyes means a healthy life. So, I’m very happy that my role helps people live with healthy eyes.”

This year The Foundation celebrates 30 years of restoring sight and working to achieve equity for women in eye health. With your support, we’re making strides.

Your generous support will help us give nurses and health workers access to proper support, education and training.

YOU CAN HELP US SUPPORT NURSES AND EYE HEALTH WORKERS

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Your gift will help restore sight to as many as 4 people.