Eye surgery camp restores sight for hundreds in Kilifi, Kenya

In December 2025, The Fred Hollows Foundation held a free eye surgery camp in Kilifi County, Kenya. More than 2,000 people came for eye screenings, and 103 patients had their sight restored through cataract surgery. For many, this meant seeing loved ones clearly again, returning to work, or regaining their independence. 

Kilifi County faces a heavy burden of eye disease. An estimated 250,000 residents live with eye-related conditions, and more than 7,000 people are blind from preventable causes such as cataract. Many communities are remote, and access to eye care in Kenya is limited. Your support makes it possible for people in these areas to receive the treatment they need. 

Photo credit: Mark Maina

Kilifi’s only optician leading eye health 

As the only optician in Kilifi County, Esther plays a vital role in promoting eye health in Kenya. Based at the Kilifi South Community Health Promotion Fund, she goes above and beyond in her work. 

"It is so satisfying helping people see better and knowing that in a day, I have improved someone’s life," Esther says.

"They are going to live better, economic-wise, mentally and physically. But I can go that extra mile and help educate our community on the importance of eye health, how to check your eyes, and the importance of wearing glasses." 

Photo credit: Michael Amendolia

Esther’s work extends beyond the clinic. She runs eye screenings in schools and encourages students to become advocates for eye health. Myths and misconceptions about eye health are common, which can prevent people from seeking help. 

"When students go back into their communities, they can identify if someone has a pink eye and know it is not witchcraft. It is a medical condition, and with treatment, they can be helped," she explains. 

Some children drop out of school because they cannot see well, and parents turn to traditional healers. Esther educates families that caring for your eyes is as important as caring for your body after a hard day’s work. 

"Eye health is very important. If your eyes are not seeing well, you are doing nothing," she says. 

Because of your support, Esther can continue this vital work. More people in Kilifi can access eye care, stay in school, and live healthier, fuller lives. 

Meet Gift, an 11-year-old in Kenya whose sight has been restored 

The difference your support makes is clear in the story of Gift, an 11-year-old boy from Kilifi County who had been living with vision loss for three years. Teachers noticed he struggled to focus in class, and his parents only realised the seriousness when he could no longer complete household chores. 

Photo credit: Michael Amendolia

Gift’s older brother, Bernard, recalls: "We took him to the hospital and were told we would have to pay a sum we could not afford. We subsequently decided to take him to church for prayers and divine intervention, but there was no change." 

Thanks to The Fred Hollows Foundation and the Australian NGO Cooperation Program, Gift received cataract surgery at Kwale Eye Centre, a long-term partner of The Foundation. Bernard has already noticed the difference: 

"Before surgery, he would hold the phone very close to his eyes, but after surgery, he held it at a normal distance. This change shows me he has regained his sight, which is a true miracle," he says. 

Transforming lives through eye care in Kilifi 

Photo credit: Michael Amendolia

From large eye surgery camps to ongoing community education led by Esther, the impact of your support is clear. Children like Gift can see clearly, learn, and participate fully in school and at home. Adults regain independence and return to work. Your support restores sight and transforms lives across Kilifi County and beyond.