A New Vision: What an Eye Clinic Taught Me About Healthcare Access

I've been in Kenya for around two months now, and it has been a life-changing experience. Even though I've been here before, since I have family that lives here, I’ve only seen a small serving of what Kenya has to offer. This co-op has given me the opportunity to witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs of a smaller healthcare system, and every day has brought new insights and personal growth for me. From interacting with different people and experiencing the different cultures Kenya has, to talking to healthcare professionals to get a better understanding of the health systems and the diseases that Baringo County has.

One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had so far was attending a pop-up eye clinic event at Chemolingot Sub-County Hospital. The event was organized in collaboration with the Baringo County Government, and LIONS, a nonprofit that’s mission is to "Enhance lives by alleviating poverty, expanding education and healthcare, and preserving harmony between nature and humanity." The clinic drew in patients with a wide range of eye conditions, from minor issues like nearsightedness to severe, life-altering diseases such as cataracts. From the moment I arrived , I was struck by the sheer number of people seeking care. Patients had traveled long distances, many from rural areas, to receive treatment that they otherwise would not have had access to.

I began by observing the patient screening process with Dr. Sammy Lorot, the sub-county ophthalmologist at the hospital that I met before through an interview for my research project. He explained the steps of the examination, from basic vision tests with an E chart, to more advanced diagnostic techniques used to identify cataracts, glaucoma, and other conditions. The majority of the patients were elderly, as cataracts primarily affect older populations, but one case that particularly stood out to me was that of a child diagnosed with cataracts. Seeing such a young patient affected by a condition I had always associated with aging was eye-opening. It reinforced just how crucial access to specialized medical care is for underserved communities and how early intervention can make a life-changing difference.

Testing my eyes with Dr. Lorot

Screening a child with cataracts with Dr. Lorot

After the screenings, I moved on to observing the surgical process. I watched closely as the nurses applied anesthetic and prepped the patient before they were brought into the surgery room. The surgery itself was fascinating—the surgeons carefully washed the eye, made a small incision, and then removed the cataract before implanting an artificial lens. Throughout the process, I asked questions about the surgical techniques and the challenges of performing these procedures in a resource-limited setting. The surgeons explained how they sometimes had to adapt to equipment shortages and unpredictable power outages, making their work even more impressive.

Seeing firsthand how something as simple as cataract surgery could restore a person’s sight was an amazing experience. I saw many elderly patients lined up for surgery, some of whom had been living with impaired vision for years. Their expressions ranged from nervous anticipation to quiet hope. Although I didn’t see their reactions after the procedure, I still gained a deeper understanding of how life-changing accessible medical care can be. It made me appreciate the importance of accessible healthcare and how something that might seem routine to medical professionals can completely transform someone’s life.

In the surgery room observing cataract removal surgery

This experience highlighted the broader realities of the healthcare system in Kenya for me. While the dedication of medical professionals is evident, the system faces challenges such as resource constraints, a high patient load, and limited access to specialized care. Events like the pop-up clinic are vital in bridging these gaps, providing life-changing treatment to people who might otherwise go without. However, pop-up clinics don’t happen all the time, and many patients must wait months or even years for similar opportunities. This underscores the need for more sustainable, long-term solutions to improve healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas. Witnessing these realities firsthand reinforced my belief in the importance of culturally sensitive and community-driven healthcare interventions, which can make a lasting impact on patient outcomes.

Beyond the medical aspects, this experience also taught me valuable personal lessons. First, it deepened my appreciation for the privilege of accessible healthcare. Having grown up with regular eye check-ups and access to vision correction, I never truly grasped what it meant for someone to go without these basic services. Second, I learned the importance of adaptability and problem-solving in a medical setting. Seeing how doctors and nurses worked around resource limitations to provide the best possible care inspired me to think more critically about healthcare challenges. Lastly, I saw the power of compassion in medicine. The way the healthcare workers engaged with their patients—with patience, kindness, and empathy—was just as crucial as the medical treatment itself. It was a reminder that healing is not just about the physical body but also about human connection and dignity.

As I continue my time in Kenya, I carry these lessons with me. The eye clinic was just one glimpse into the complexities of healthcare here, but it has left a lasting impression on me. It has strengthened my resolve to contribute to healthcare solutions that prioritize accessibility, cultural awareness, and community-driven initiatives. I look forward to more experiences that challenge and inspire me in the coming months.