BUKEDEA — Hundreds of patients are receiving free eye treatment at the Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Eye Camp, a three-day outreach designed to expand access to critical eye care services in underserved communities.
The camp, being held at Bukedea Teaching Hospital from March 27 to 29, has attracted residents from across Eastern Uganda seeking treatment for a range of eye conditions. Organised by the Ruparelia Foundation, the initiative is held in honour of the late businessman and philanthropist Rajiv Ruparelia.
Medical teams are providing comprehensive services, including eye examinations, cataract screening and surgeries, as well as distributing prescription glasses. Many of those attending are children and elderly patients who have struggled to access affordable eye care.
Health workers say turnout has been high, with thousands expected to benefit before the camp concludes. Organisers estimate that more than 2,000 patients will receive treatment, including hundreds undergoing surgeries aimed at restoring sight.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to address healthcare gaps in rural areas, where specialised services such as ophthalmology remain limited. By bringing medical expertise and equipment closer to communities, the program aims to reduce preventable blindness and improve quality of life.
Local leaders have welcomed the outreach, noting that poor vision continues to impact education, productivity, and livelihoods in the region. They emphasised the importance of partnerships between private foundations and health institutions in tackling critical healthcare challenges.
The camp is set to conclude on Sunday, with organisers expressing hope that similar initiatives will be expanded to reach more communities across Uganda in the future.
