Michael Gwarisa
Zimbabwe is grappling with a growing eye health crisis, with cataracts emerging as the leading cause of preventable blindness in the country.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO) data, an estimated 125,000 people, about one percent of the population, are blind, and of these, 62,500 cases are caused by cataracts alone.
In response to this burden, Old Mutual Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Eye Institute, has launched a series of free eye clinics across the country targeting over 300 cataract surgeries this year.
The initiative builds on a successful pilot held in Manicaland in 2024, which restored sight to scores of elderly citizens and vulnerable groups.
Speaking while officiating at the Harare Eye Clinic, Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, said cataracts and other eye diseases were among the top five causes of outpatient visits in local health facilities.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 125,000 Zimbabweans are blind, and of these, 62,500 cases are due to cataracts alone,” said Dr. Mombeshora.
“Eye diseases remain among the top five causes of outpatient visits, with the most common being refractive errors, cataracts, conjunctivitis, trauma, and glaucoma. The Zimbabwe National Eye Health Strategy 2021–2025 has set a clear path to address these challenges, but it requires collaboration. Partnerships such as the one we celebrate today are essential because they bring resources closer to those in need and ensure no Zimbabwean is left behind in accessing the gift of sight.”
Minister of Health Dr. Douglas Mombeshora shares a light moment with Dr. Ron Mhizha of the Eye Institute and Chrispen Dzingirai of Old Mutual Zimbabwe during the launch of free cataract eye clinics.
Dr. Mombeshora, Dr. Mhizha, and Chrispen Dzingirai share a lighter moment at the launch of nationwide free eye clinics aimed at tackling cataract-related blindness in Zimbabwe.
He added that up to 80 percent of blindness in Zimbabwe is avoidable and treatable when timely interventions are made, stressing the importance of expanding access to cataract surgery and primary eye care services.
The collaboration between Old Mutual and the Eye Institute has already demonstrated tangible results. During the pilot phase in Manicaland, over 100 cataract surgeries were successfully performed, while hundreds of elderly citizens received screenings and treatment for other conditions.
Old Mutual Corporate Business Executive, Mr. Chrispen Dzingirai, said the company’s commitment to eye health was part of its broader responsibility to improve the well-being of communities it serves.
HealthTimes
