CBM Donation of Medical Equipment Makes a Real Difference

Five-month-old Meshack Kipkoech, who was born with congenital bilateral cataracts, is one of the first patients to benefit from equipment donated by CBM through a scheme with ZEISS - a leading optical technology enterprise - that has provided CBM with a wide range of equipment. Meshack is seen here at CBM partner Sabatia Eye Hospital in Kenya where, following successful surgery in both eyes, he is having a check-up using a ZEISS OPMI LUMERA microscope.

The partnership between CBM and ZEISS has had many positive outcomes. Two phaco training centres in Paraguay and India have been set up which are paving the way for more patients to benefit from the most effective way of dealing with the condition. Phacoemulsification surgery breaks down the cataract before removing it.

ZEISS has also been a long-time sponsor of ‘The Week of Sight’, an annual campaign organised by CBM and other NGOs in Germany to raise awareness of the importance of inclusive, equitable eye care.

Most recently, CBM has ordered eye equipment, including phaco machines, microscopes, visual field machines and slit lamps from ZEISS at a special rate. This equipment is being sent to and installed at 33 of CBM’s partner facilities in 15 countries, benefitting thousands of patients now, and in the future.

At Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital in Bauchi, Nigeria, the receipt of two laser machines has already made a huge difference. The Managing Director Dr Mohieldin Abdalla Elbadawi says:

“The type of services these machines offer is of immeasurable importance for eye patients in Bauchi...we remain most grateful for the gesture which will go a long way in alleviating some of our suffering.”