Martin Endjala
The Windhoek Central Hospital’s renowned eye clinic recently benefited from a donation of equipment valued at N$250,000 from the Capricorn Group Foundation, the clinic provides crucial support for individuals with visual impairments.
“Many Namibians rely on the government 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,”. Marlize Horn, Executive Officer of the Capricorn Group Foundation said during the handover ceremony held recently in the capital city
Horn said that the Capricorn Foundation purchased four new slit lamps for the Windhoek Central Hospital eye clinic and the Oshakati State Hospital while adding that slit lamps are essential tools for the detailed examination of the eye.
Noting that the state-of-the-art instruments will play a significant role in diagnosing and monitoring patients with visual problems.
She stressed that health is one of the Foundation’s primary focus areas. As a connector of positive change, they 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.
“We know that through the eye clinic, we are helping to improve the quality of optometry in public eye clinics. The eye 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 running the eye clinic in a professional manner and for reaching out to patients in rural areas, changing the lives of many Namibians, “said Horn.
She highlighted that patients who attend eye clinics, often have complicated cases and are referred to the Intermediate Hospital Oshakati or Windhoek Central Hospital.
Hence, patients from all regions in Namibia benefit from these slit lamps for a wide range of eye conditions across all ages.
With these slit lamps, Horn believes that the eye care team can now attend to an average of 100 patients daily, contributing significantly to the efficiency of the clinic. With care, the slit lamps can provide health care to patients for many years to come.
Meanwhile, Dr Helena Ndume, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, at Central Hospital lauded the Foundation for its generous donation, which helps blind patients regain their sight.
“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 these donated slit lamps, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Capricorn Foundation,” Ndume said.
