By Nathan Eyagu 

Soroti City — In a major breakthrough for healthcare delivery in Eastern Uganda, Clinison Medical Centre has officially launched a state-of-the-art Eye Clinic at its headquarters in Owalei, Opuyo, Soroti East Division. The new facility promises to transform access to specialized eye care across the Teso sub-region, eliminating the need for patients to travel to distant cities like Tororo or Kampala.

The inauguration ceremony drew a host of dignitaries, including cultural and government leaders, health professionals, and international guests from the United Kingdom and Canada. Among the notable figures were HRH Papa Paul Jones Eganda, President of the Ateker International Development Organisation (AIDO), who served as the Guest of Honour; HRH Papa Raphael Otaya, Cultural Head of the Kumam; and Andrew Ocole, Prime Minister of the Iteso Cultural Union.

Founded in October 2023, Clinison Medical Centre has quickly established itself as one of the region’s premier private health facilities, offering services ranging from general care and maternity to ENT and diagnostics. However, until now, specialized eye care remained a critical gap.

Dr. Jane Agwaru, the Centre’s CEO and a Ugandan returnee from the diaspora, said the clinic was a direct response to an eye camp held in 2024, where over 600 patients were treated in just three days. The overwhelming turnout underscored the urgent need for a permanent eye care facility in the region.

"Uganda currently has fewer than 50 ophthalmologists for a population exceeding 45 million. The Eye Clinic at Clinison is our contribution to bridging this service gap," Dr. Agwaru stated. She further announced plans to expand the clinic’s services within two years to include cataract and trauma surgeries.

Dr. Agwaru appealed to partners and donors to support this expansion, emphasizing Clinison’s mission to offer holistic and dignified care to all patients.

Speaking at the event, HRH Papa Paul Jones Eganda reaffirmed AIDO’s commitment to supporting Clinison’s vision of becoming a regional centre of medical excellence. He revealed ongoing discussions with partners in the UK and India to secure advanced eye-care equipment and professional training for local practitioners.

"Health care isn’t just about treating illness. It’s about restoring dignity, improving emotional well-being, and creating pathways to development," Eganda noted. "This Eye Clinic is not just a facility—it’s a symbol of what is possible when communities come together."

HRH Papa Raphael Otaya offered prayers and blessings for the Clinison team, calling the initiative a divine gift for the people of Teso. He praised the centre’s community-first approach to health service delivery.

On behalf of the Soroti City Health Office, Ecode Emmanuel lauded the management of Clinison for investing in specialized services often overlooked in regional healthcare systems. He highlighted the need for continued support for initiatives targeting other under-served areas such as dental care.

Andrew Ocole, Prime Minister of the Iteso Cultural Union, linked health to education and socio-economic development. He emphasized the union’s 10-year plan to improve education access and called for inclusive health insurance models to support vulnerable groups, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.

"This clinic will not only improve healthcare outcomes but also contribute to employment, education, and the long-term welfare of our people," Ocole stated. He also encouraged Iteso in the diaspora to invest in community-focused initiatives like Clinison.

According to Public Relations Officer Ocen Christopher, the decision to establish the Eye Clinic was informed by data gathered through the Centre’s outreach programs, which repeatedly identified high demand for eye care services in both rural and urban communities across Teso.

"The Eye Clinic is our response to the people’s voice," Ocen said. "It represents our unwavering commitment to accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare."

The new facility is expected to significantly reduce patient referrals to distant cities, promote early detection and treatment of eye conditions, and ultimately improve health outcomes across the sub-region.

With continued support and collaboration, Clinison Medical Centre’s Eye Clinic is poised to become a beacon of hope and a model for integrated, community-led healthcare in Uganda.