The Service maintained base and continued its free medical outreach at Nyawa Mini Hospital, located under the leadership of Chief Nyawa of the Tokaleya people in Kazungula District.

Patients having trekked for hours from distant villages have came in search of essential medical care rarely available in this remote area. The Zambia Flying Doctor Service team is offering free medical services including general medical reviews, eye care, dental support, and pharmaceutical access.

Among the many patients seen today was Austin Siabbodo, a 38-year-old man who arrived with the support of his father, Jairos Siabbodo. Austin has completely lost his vision, a painful reality that the family had long struggled to understand. Today, during an eye screening session, Austin received a clinical diagnosis of advanced glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure. It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, especially in adults over 35. In Austin’s case, the condition had gone undetected for years, and by the time he sought help, the damage was permanent.

A member of the Zambia Flying Doctor Service medical team took time to counsel Jairos and his son sympathizing with them that the team had no treatment that could restore permanent damage but instead focused hope on rehabilitative measures that can ensure that he lives his life as close to normal as possible with the remaining abilities such as safe mobility, assistive tools, community support and linkage . These were Rehabilitative measures that the family was unaware of and were appreciative of the information and knowledge.

This heartbreaking case highlights a critical public health message glaucoma often shows no symptoms in its early stages, yet it silently steals sight if left untreated. Those most at risk include people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of blindness .

The Zambia Flying Doctor Service urges the public to take eye health seriously. Prevention and early detection remain the best defense against avoidable blindness. Eye screening is simple, quick, and can save someone’s sight.

As the outreach continues into the afternoon, more patients are receiving care and critical health education that could change — or even save — their lives. The Zambia Flying Doctor Service remains committed to reaching underserved communities with quality healthcare, one district at a time.