The founder of City Eye Hospital (CEH) and Kings Medical Supplies Dr. Amos Kibata Githeko is dead.
In a statement on Friday September 20, the hospital board announced that Kibata passed away on September 17, 2024, after a courageous fight with cancer.
“It is with profound sadness that the Board of Directors, Management, and Staff of City Eye Hospital announce the passing of our founder, leader, colleague, brother and friend Dr. Kibata,” the Board said.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to Dr. Kibata’s family and friends in Kenya and around the world and also extend our gratitude to our clients, friends, and business partners for standing with us during this difficult time as we honour Dr. Kibata’s legacy.”
The board described Dr. Kibata as an outstanding visionary leader, skilled surgeon, mentor, and a man of immense compassion.
“His pioneering spirit transformed a small clinical eye practice into the renowned hospitals we are proud to be part of today,” they added.
“He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, dedication to patient care, and an unwavering commitment to God.”
Education and Professional Career of Kibata Githeko
Dr. Kibata was a Consultant Ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in Paediatric and Vitreo-Retinal Surgery.
He held MBChB and MMed (Ophthalmology) degrees from the University of Nairobi.
He successfully completed the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) examinations, receiving the ICO International Fellow Award as well as the International Strabismus Association Fellowship Award.
Additionally, he passed the entrance examinations for the College of Surgeons in Glasgow and was subsequently admitted as a Fellow.
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He was also a Fellow of the College of Eastern Central and Southern Africa (COECSA) and served as Chairman of the Ophthalmology Society of Kenya.
Daily meetings are happening at St. Andrew’s Church, Nairobi, on Friday and Monday at 5:30 pm and City Eye Hospital (Ngong’ Road) on Sunday at 2 pm.
Why Kibata Started Eye Hospital
When Kibata Githeko was a second-year medical student at the University of Nairobi, his diabetic father lost his sight.
This pivotal moment deeply influenced his career path, ultimately leading him to realize a long-held dream of establishing the Nairobi Eye Hospital.
The hospital focused on providing affordable eye treatment and preventing blindness in diabetic patients.
Kibata’s journey took off in 2006 when he returned from overseas and established the retina clinic at PCEA Kikuyu Hospital.
In 2009, Upper Hill Eye and Laser Centre (UHEAL), a state-of-the-art eye diagnostic centre equipped with an ultramodern eye theatre, opened its doors to patients at Upper Hill Medical Centre in Nairobi.
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Furthermore, in 2010, UHEAL, led by Kibata Githeko, recognized the urgent need for early intervention in diabetic eye complications.
In partnership with the World Diabetes Foundation, UHEAL launched an eye care foundation to serve underserved communities through outreach clinics.
The Establishment of City Eye Hospital
City Eye Hospital was established in 2015 to serve the growing demand for quality and affordable eye care. Conveniently located along Ngong Road, CEH was initially launched as an affiliate of UHEAL.
Three years later, UHEAL acquired CEH. The merger saw the UHEAL branch at Upper Hill Medical Centre transformed into CEH’s Appointment-only Clinic and the Ngong Road branch into CEH’s walk-in Main Hospital.
In 2017, CEH launched its training department to provide a rotational centre that equips students with the latest techniques in ophthalmic practice, starting with ophthalmic nursing students at the Kenya Medical Training College in 2017 and ophthalmology resident students at the University of Nairobi in 2019.
The hospital has over 90 highly trained staff members, including full-time eye specialists (retinal and cataract surgeons).
CEH handles the full range of routine and complex eye procedures, conducting 3,000-4,000 surgeries annually. The hospital also now has an in-house Ophthalmic Training Programme.
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