Dr. Simon Arunga, an accomplished ophthalmologist and founder of Dr. Arunga’s Eye Hospital in Uganda, has dedicated his life to addressing the complex landscape of eye care in his country. As a researcher, educator, and clinician, Dr. Arunga’s work bridges the gap between advanced medical knowledge and the pressing needs of his community. His story is one of faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to healing. It was Njoki Wachira of Seva who made the introduction of Dr. Arunga to Megan Webber, Co-Founder of KnowTheGlow.
Megan learned that Dr. Arunga’s path to becoming an eye doctor was not a direct one. Initially, he envisioned a career in obstetrics, driven by a desire to care for mothers and newborns. However, during his university years, a profound spiritual awakening led him to a different calling. As a newly born-again Christian, Dr. Arunga spent time in prayer and reflection, eventually realizing that his true purpose lay in ophthalmology. Looking back, he is grateful for the divine guidance that set him on this path—a path that has allowed him to make a significant impact on the lives of many.
As KTG gets ready to prepare for an awareness campaign in Uganda for 2025, Dr Arunga wanted Megan to first understand the medical and social challenges eye care faces, particularly in the treatment and diagnosis of leukocoria—a condition often associated with retinoblastoma (RB) in children. Retinoblastoma is a devastating eye cancer that, if not treated early, can lead to blindness or even death. The reality in Uganda is stark: many children with RB arrive at clinics with advanced stages of the disease, often with large, visible masses that are difficult to treat.
The legacy of Dr. Keith Waddell, a British missionary who began pioneering work in Uganda in the 1990s, remains vital in the fight against RB. Dr. Waddell’s efforts led to the establishment of a Retinoblastoma Center at Ruharo Eye Center, the primary destination for children suspected of having RB. Here, chemotherapy is administered by nurses in the RB ward, a testament to the resourcefulness required in a setting where medical professionals are in short supply.
Dr. Waddell also mentored a young ophthalmologist, Dr. Pius Mwanja, who trained at KMCC in Tanzania. Dr. Pius continues to build on Dr. Waddell’s work, striving to provide specialized care for these vulnerable children. However, the challenges are immense. Stigma, domestic violence, and even the distrust of modern medicine complicate the already difficult task of treating children with RB, who often face separation from their families and communities.
Recognizing the critical need for early detection, there have been efforts to integrate screening for eye conditions into routine healthcare. One such initiative involved training immunization nurses to use infrared light for screening—a simple but effective way to identify suspicious lesions during a child’s early growth stages. However, despite the promising proof of concept, funding and programmatic support have been hurdles in scaling this initiative.
Dr. Arunga’s work at his private hospital serves as both a medical facility and a social enterprise, honoring the memory of his son. This hospital, located in his hometown, provides highly subsidized care to ensure that no patient is turned away. Although his current focus is on cataracts and glaucoma in adults, Dr. Arunga remains deeply aware of the pressing needs in pediatric eye care, particularly retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), another significant concern he wishes to address in collaboration with Dr. Pius.
One of the early lessons Dr. Arunga learned from Dr. Waddell was the importance of community in patient care. Dr. Waddell observed that many parents, upon learning that their child required enucleation (surgical removal of the eye), would flee fearfully, never to return. In response, Dr. Waddell began scheduling enucleation surgeries and follow-up appointments on a single day for all affected children, allowing parents in treatment to meet and get to know parents who have successfully seen their children through and to support one another through the emotionally difficult process. This sense of community not only provided comfort but also helped ensure that children received the life-saving treatment they needed.
Dr. Waddell’s commitment to building a supportive network for these families led to the creation of a foundation, now led by Dr. Pius Mwanja, which continues to provide essential services and support to children with RB and their families.
As KnowTheGlow (KTG) prepares for an awareness campaign in Uganda in 2025, Dr. Arunga’s insights are invaluable. The landscape of eye care in Uganda is fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with hope, innovation, and resilience. Dr. Arunga’s journey, from a spiritually guided decision to become an ophthalmologist to his current role as a leader in eye care, exemplifies the power of dedication and faith in overcoming obstacles.
By working together with local experts like Dr. Arunga and Dr. Mwanja, KTG aims to bring much-needed attention to the issue of leukocoria and improve early detection and treatment for children across Uganda. The upcoming campaign will focus on sensitization, mobilization, and screening, ensuring that more children receive the care they desperately need.
In a country where smartphones are commonly owned by most citizens, the potential for leveraging technology to save lives is immense. With the right support and collaboration, Dr. Arunga’s vision for a healthier, brighter future for Uganda’s children is within reach. Through his work, Dr. Arunga is not just treating eyes—he is illuminating a path of hope for countless families.
