Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
IN a bid to improve access to quality eye care in underserved communities, the Eye Camp Initiative is expanding its reach, with free screenings and cataract surgeries scheduled for Manicaland Province (22–25 October) and Midlands Province (21–25 November).
The programme, a partnership between the Eye Institute and Old Mutual Zimbabwe, aims to provide at least 300 free eye surgeries this year, focusing mainly on vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 125 000 people in Zimbabwe are living with blindness, with more than 60 000 cases caused by cataracts.
Dr Ron Mhizha, Founder and Director of the Eye Institute, highlighted the significance of collaboration.
“As the Institute, we provide knowledge, skills and cutting-edge technology. We are proud of our partners who have given us resources, infrastructure, and scale. Together with government support, we aim to integrate this programme into primary healthcare and make it an ongoing initiative into the foreseeable future. We also hope other corporates will come forward to support this cause,” he said.
Old Mutual’s Corporate Business Executive, Mr Chrispen Dzingirai, said the initiative builds on the success of their 2024 pilot programme.
“Today marks a special moment in the journey we began last year, a journey to restore one of life’s most precious gifts, which is sight. The success of the pilot programme has motivated us to scale up in 2025. So far, we have conducted screenings in Harare, focusing on suburbs such as Machipisa, Glenorah, and Mabvuku, where many elderly residents live,” he said.
Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, commended the partnership.
“This demonstrates that when government and the private sector work together, we can scale up impact and reach more communities. It is especially important for the elderly, who make up nearly five percent of our population. Partnerships like this are vital to ensuring healthcare services are accessible, sustainable, and inclusive.”
According to the Research Council for the Blind Zimbabwe (2021 annual report), about 80 percent of blindness cases are avoidable or treatable if timely intervention is made.
The Eye Camp Initiative is expected to play a significant role in reducing preventable blindness and restoring sight to many Zimbabweans in need.
