By Frank Kamuntu
The Rajiv Ruparelia Memorial Eye Camp has turned into a lifeline for thousands, as overwhelming crowds continue to stream into Bukedea Teaching Hospital on its second day, seeking free, life-changing eye care.
In just two days, more than 5,000 people have turned up for treatment, with at least 1,500 already attended to, including 125 patients who have successfully undergone sight-restoring surgeries. For many, this is the first time they are accessing specialized eye care they could never afford.
Organised in memory of Rajiv Ruparelia and led by the Ruparelia Foundation, the three-day outreach is not only restoring vision but also renewing hope for communities long underserved by affordable healthcare.
Speaking at the camp, Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr. Lawrence Muganga described the initiative as transformative, both for patients and for the next generation of medical professionals.
“This is life-changing work,” he said. “Our students are on the ground conducting checkups, dispensing glasses, and even assisting in surgeries. They are gaining real-world experience while directly impacting lives.”
Dr. Muganga emphasized the financial relief the camp is offering to ordinary Ugandans, noting that procedures being done for free would typically cost millions.
“In Kampala, a single eye surgery can cost between Shs3 million and Shs15 million. Here, people are receiving surgeries, medication, and glasses at no cost. For many families, this is the difference between suffering in silence and seeing again,” he explained.
He credited the Ruparelia Foundation for driving the initiative, calling it a powerful example of meaningful philanthropy.
“This is what true giving looks like, restoring not just sight, but dignity and opportunity,” he said.
Dr. Muganga also applauded Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among for mobilising communities and ensuring that those most in need are able to access the services.
Behind the scenes, teams of doctors, nurses, students, and volunteers are working around the clock to manage the massive turnout.
“The dedication here is incredible. These teams are the backbone of this entire operation,” he noted.
The scale of response has drawn patients from across Uganda and even neighboring Kenya, underscoring a deep and widespread gap in access to specialized eye care.
From basic screenings and medication to prescription glasses and complex surgeries, the camp is offering a full range of services tailored to patients’ needs.
With the outreach running until Sunday, March 29, organizers are urging those yet to attend to take advantage of the opportunity.
“If you or a loved one has a vision problem, come. There is still time to receive help,” Dr. Muganga urged.
As the camp continues, it stands out as one of the largest free medical outreaches in the region, a rare intervention that is not only restoring sight, but transforming lives on a massive scale.
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