The Eye Unit was started by the Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) in 1975. It was rebuilt in 1985. In 1989 a new eye ward and theatre block were added, funded by CBM and EZE, charitable German organizations. Later additions include two examination rooms, optical workshop, eye drop production unit, offices and a student hostel.The Kikuyu Eye Unit is the eye CENTER for Nairobi and a Referral centre for East African Region. It is the only unit in Kenya which has a Low Vision Department.

REFUGEE WORK
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has recognized the Kikuyu Eye Unit as the main provider of eye care for refugees in Kenya. Our surgical team visits hospitals and refugee camps in remote regions of Kenya.  They perform all types of eye surgery, often under difficult conditions, sometimes even in a tent.  More difficult cases, usually children, needing general anaesthesia are evacuated to the Eye Unit.  Aircraft are hired from Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF)

eye unit reception	eye surgery

Training
With financial assistance from CBM, A students hostel has been built and all training programmes for all aspect of eye work are taught. Extending and continuing ophthalmic education is an important function in Kikuyu Eye Unit. The Eye Unit works with the government of Kenya, the University of Nairobi and other countries to train ophthalmologists, ophthalmic clinical officers, cataract surgeons and refractionists. In recent years students have come from Uganda,Rwanda, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Cameroon, Sudan, and Zambia. Trainees and teachers from all over the world spend time at Kikuyu giving and receiving information.

Schools for the Visually Impaired

Schools for the visually impaired are visited each term. They are screened and provided with spectacles, low vision aids, and surgery if necessary. Congenital cataracts can be treated with intraocular lenses, meaning that children following surgery can be Reintegrated into normal schools.

past low vision events

Click here to link to Low Vision Project

young eye patient

young eye patient

eye checkup

eye checkup