By Nathan Eyagu 

Clinison Medical Centre has officially launched a routine eye screening programme in Soroti City, with an ambitious target of screening at least 10,000 people by 2030. The initiative is designed to combat preventable blindness and improve access to quality eye care in the region.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Jane Agwaru, CEO of Clinison Medical Centre, said the programme marks a new chapter in the facility’s commitment to safeguarding sight.

“Today, we are not just launching a service, but opening doors to a healthier future. Eye diseases are often silent killers. Statistics show over 1.4 million Ugandans live with impaired vision or blindness—most of which could have been prevented with early detection. We want the community to understand that waiting for pain or loss of vision may be too late,” Dr. Agwaru noted.

She added that the programme will cover all categories of patients, including children, whose untreated eye conditions often lead to poor school performance, and long-distance drivers, who face higher risks of complications such as cataracts. Clinison has already secured agreements with YY Coaches and Kakise Bus Services to extend screenings to drivers in the Teso region.

The Chief Operations Officer at Clinison Medical Centre emphasized the importance of routine eye checks, urging community members to embrace preventive care:

“Our goal is not just to treat but to protect. Regular screenings help identify risks early, ensuring patients receive timely treatment before conditions worsen,” he said.

The medical centre has invested in state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for back-eye checks and assembled a team of health experts working collaboratively to ensure holistic care for patients.

Dr. Anyonga Alfred, Soroti City Health Officer, commended Clinison for prioritizing health investment in the region.

“This facility is a worthy investment that will serve generations. We thank Dr. Agwaru for choosing to invest in Soroti rather than elsewhere. The Ministry of Health will work closely with Clinison to expand services further,” he remarked.

Dr. Anyonga also hailed the professionalism of Clinison staff, noting that their dedication and adherence to ethical conduct have already earned community trust.

Community members were urged to take advantage of the affordable screening services, as eye treatment can otherwise be expensive. The programme is expected to significantly reduce cases of preventable blindness and improve overall eye health outcomes in the Teso sub-region.