A high-level delegation from the international non-governmental organization Helen Keller has visited Ismani Health Centre in Iringa District to assess the ongoing cataract surgery camp, which is providing free eye care services for a week.
The camp, now on its fourth day, is conducting surgeries for over 120 patients daily, focusing on cataract cases, a leading cause of visual impairment among older adults in Tanzania.
The surgeries are being performed by specialist ophthalmologists from key hospitals in the Southern Highlands, including Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital.
Speaking during a brief meeting at the Iringa Regional Commissioner’s office on August 6, 2025, Helen Keller International President Sarah Bochie emphasized the organization’s commitment to data-driven and results-oriented interventions.
She said the visit aimed to validate the quality and impact of services provided under their sponsorship.
“We believe in working based on evidence. That is why we are here — to see firsthand how the resources we provide are being used and to understand the actual impact on the ground,” Bochie said.
Iringa Regional Commissioner Kheri James welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for Helen Keller’s long-standing support.
He noted the organization's consistent provision of medical supplies, technical training, and strategic cooperation with local authorities as essential to improving health outcomes.
“The organization has been a reliable partner for over three decades. Their support has helped strengthen our local health systems and ensured timely interventions for communities in need,” James said.
The ongoing cataract surgeries have attracted a significant number of residents, especially those aged 50 and above, who are disproportionately affected by age-related eye conditions. According to medical experts, the majority of patients undergoing surgery have experienced gradual loss of vision over the years.
Dr. Stephen Nyamsae, an eye specialist leading the operations, said cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens that commonly occurs with age but may also affect younger patients due to diabetes, eye injuries, or congenital conditions.
“Some children are born with cataracts because the lens fails to develop properly before birth. Others develop it later in life due to trauma or underlying health conditions such as diabetes,” Dr. Nyamsae explained.
With the surgery camp expected to conclude on August 9, 2025, health officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of the opportunity.
The services are fully funded by Helen Keller International and offered free of charge to all patients in need.
The Iringa eye camp is part of Helen Keller’s broader mission to eliminate preventable blindness and improve vision health across developing countries through targeted interventions, local partnerships, and evidence-based programs.