Embu Health Department Raises Alarm Over Double Vision Among Drivers

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The experts were speaking during a free eye medical camp held in Embu town to commemorate World Sight Day, with the exercise specifically targeting drivers.

The initiative brought together eye health professionals who screened drivers and members of the public for various eye-related conditions, including problems that could affect their ability to see clearly while driving.

Daniel Kige, the Vision Impact Coordinator in Embu County, said regular eye examinations among drivers were necessary because they play a critical role in ensuring the safety of passengers and other road users.

Kige said drivers require good vision to identify road signs, pedestrians, other vehicles and potential hazards, especially when driving at night or under difficult weather conditions.

He expressed concern that a majority of drivers rarely seek eye check-ups unless they begin experiencing serious problems with their vision.

He urged motorists to make eye examinations part of their routine health checks, saying early detection of vision problems could help prevent accidents and improve road safety.

Kige also called on drivers experiencing symptoms such as double vision, blurred vision or difficulty seeing clearly to seek medical attention rather than continuing to drive without treatment.

Pauline Nginyo, the County Health Promotion Officer, said the free eye screening was part of the county government's strategy to address eye-related problems among residents.

Nginyo encouraged residents of Embu County to undergo regular eye examinations, noting that many eye conditions can be detected and managed early when people seek medical attention.

She further urged members of the public not to wait until they experience severe vision problems before visiting health facilities for eye check-ups.

John Mwaniki, a driver who benefited from the free screening, welcomed the initiative, saying motorists often face eye-related challenges due to the nature of their work and the long hours they spend on the road.

Mwaniki called for more eye screening programmes targeting drivers, saying regular check-ups would help motorists maintain good vision and ultimately contribute to safer roads in Embu and beyond.