By Infora Media
Bukedea — The Rajiv Ruparelia (RR) Free Eye Camp in Bukedea is not just about eye screenings, it is changing lives, according to Ms Sheena Ruparelia, Director at Ruparelia Group and Trustee of the Ruparelia Foundation. Thousands of residents have turned up at Bukedea Teaching Hospital for free treatment, highlighting an urgent need for accessible eye care in the region.
Speaking on the second day of the three-day camp, Ms Sheena described the turnout as “overwhelming,” noting that more than 1,500 patients had been screened in just two days. Of these, over 33 percent require surgical intervention, reflecting the severity of untreated eye conditions in the area.
“We have so far screened over 1,500 patients. Out of that, more than 330 require surgery. We have already completed operations for 88 adults and 12 children, and we are working hard to clear the backlog before the camp concludes,” Ms Sheena said. She added that 50 surgeries were successfully conducted on Saturday alone, with a target of 100 procedures for the day.
In addition to surgeries, the camp has provided over 400 eyeglasses for adults and prescriptions for children, giving immediate relief to hundreds struggling with impaired vision.
Some of the most remarkable recoveries include an 11-year-old boy whose sight was restored, allowing him to continue his education, and a one-and-a-half-year-old child born with cataracts who can now see for the first time. Ms Sheena described these cases as “truly life-changing.”
Prof Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, emphasized that the massive turnout reflects both regional demand and systemic gaps in eye care services across Uganda. “On Day One alone, nearly 3,000 people attended the camp. Patients came from Kenya, Gulu, Moroto, Katakwi, and across the Teso sub-region, showing the scale of need,” he said.
He noted that the cost of similar surgeries in private facilities ranges between Shs3 million and Shs15 million, making the free services offered at the camp critical for low-income communities. All surgeries are being performed by Ugandan doctors, without relying on foreign specialists.
Students from Victoria University are also assisting with patient care, dispensing medication, and gaining hands-on experience in medical outreach.
Beyond Screenings: Full Support for Patients
The camp extends beyond basic treatment. Patients requiring advanced care have been referred to institutions such as the Uganda Cancer Institute and Mulago National Referral Hospital, with the Ruparelia Foundation covering transport and treatment costs. Post-surgery patients are accommodated at Bukedea Teaching Hospital for monitoring and follow-up care.
Comedian Patrick Idringi, aka Salvado, praised the initiative as a continuation of the late Rajiv Ruparelia’s legacy. “The joy and hope you see here show the impact of this initiative. People have come from far and wide, even camping here to receive treatment,” he said.
The three-day camp, which began on Friday, will run through Sunday evening, offering free screening, surgeries, medications, and eyeglasses. Health officials and organizers have urged residents across Bukedea and neighboring districts to take advantage of the final day of the outreach.
The camp is powered by over 200 volunteers and at least 15 Ugandan doctors working tirelessly to meet the overwhelming demand.