Kenya

Blindness in Kenya

Although Kenya is the most industrially developed country in East Africa, approximately 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. The country has been struggling to provide access to health care to its citizens, and only about 20 percent of Kenyans actually have health insurance. This situation is worsened by a lack of health care facilities and doctors. With about one ophthalmologist for every 450,000 residents, the country is unable to reach all patients in need of eye care. Rural areas, which account for 70% of the population, are particularly underserved.

According to the WHO, almost a quarter of a million Kenyans suffer from blindness; 43% of these cases are caused by cataracts, an avoidable and often treatable condition. Other leading causes of blindness include chronic blindness include cataract, glaucoma, age-related degeneration, diabetes, trachoma, and pediatric eye conditions.

Blindness is also expected to rise in the coming decade, due to an aging population. For these reasons, organizations like SEE have become extremely important in increasing the accessibility and availability of eye care services.