A team of doctors is treating patients who are struggling with eye diseases for free in the southern province of Uruzgan.

The program is being supported by an Australian organization, Human Appeal Australia.

Officials of the provincial public health department said that dozens of people who are struggling with eye problems will receive treatment, including surgery.

“So far here we have examined 2,000 patients. The people have various types of eye illnesses,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a doctor.

“Based on our information, the doctors are conducing between 14 to 25 surgeries here...They have been here before as well,” said Fathullah Sehatmand, deputy head of the provincial department of public health.

The provincial health officials also expressed concern over a shortage of doctors for eye treatment.

TOLOnews interviewed some patients in Uruzgan who are struggling with eye problems.

Ghulam Sakhi, 68, said that he had not been able to get treatment for his eyes due to poor economic conditions until he received free treatment.

“I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t go to the mosque. This surgery is very good for me and I am happy,” he said.

“I was struggling hard with eye illness,” said Huma, a patient.

Relatives of a single family, whose number of members exceeds 100, have been suffering from hereditary eye diseases.