To see better, my child
Many Namibians rely on the government's healthcare services, which include optometry. The Ministry of Health and Social Services Eye Clinic at the Central Hospital in Windhoek was established for this purpose: To support patients with treatment and restore the vision of those who are visually impaired.In light of this, the Capricorn Foundation recently donated equipment valued at N$250 000 to the Eye Clinic, providing crucial support for individuals with visual impairments.
The team operates across the country through various smaller eye clinics, outreach campaigns and at the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital and Windhoek Central Hospital.
The Capricorn Foundation purchased four new slit lamps for the Windhoek Central Hospital Eye Clinic and the Oshakati State Hospital. Slit lamps are essential for the detailed examination of the eye. These state-of-the-art instruments will play a significant role in diagnosing and monitoring patients with visual problems.
“Health is one of the Capricorn Foundation's primary focus areas and we are proud to partner with the Eye Clinic in supporting visually impaired patients across Namibia to receive treatment for preventable blindness and other visual impairments,” said Marlize Horn of the foundation.
“We know that through the Eye Clinic, we are helping to improve the quality of optometry in public eye clinics. The clinic has already made great strides by recently assisting 598 patients with cataract operations. We applaud Dr Helena Ndume and her dedicated team for their commitment and dedication to professionally running the Eye Clinic and for reaching out to patients in rural areas, changing the lives of many Namibians.”
Countrywide consultations
Patients attend eye clinics, and often, complicated cases are referred to the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital or Windhoek Central Hospital. Thus, patients from across the Namibia benefit from these slit lamps for a wide range of eye conditions across all ages.
With these slit lamps, the eye care team can tend to an average of 100 patients daily, contributing significantly to the efficiency of the Eye Clinic. With care, these slit lamps can provide health care to patients for many years to come.
“We are grateful for the Capricorn Foundation's generous donation, which helps blind patients regain their sight and helps seeing patients retain theirs,” said Dr Helena Ndume, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the Windhoek Central Hospital.
“The quality of life this adds to their lives cannot be measured in monetary terms. On behalf of every healthcare worker whose work will be made easier by using these slit lamps, and especially from each patient who will benefit from them, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Capricorn Foundation.”