Online Reporter
Takudzwa Manzero
Post Correspondent
MORE than 800 Manicaland residents benefited from a four‑day free eye‑care outreach.
The beneficiaries also received screenings, prescription glasses and sunglasses.
The programme, organised by Danish ophthalmologist, Dr Finn Juncker in partnership with Lions International clubs from Nyanga and Mutare, ran from February13 to 16, beginning at Nyanga Family Clinic before moving to Chikanga Hall and Sakubva Beit Hall in Mutare.
Dr Juncker, said the mission was driven by the theme: “Together, creating a world connected by sight!”.
“I am happy to be in Mutare after a similar clinic in Kariba. In Nyanga, we screened 273 clients over two days. In Mutare, at Chikanga Hall, my focus was on people living with albinism, who typically have only about 20 percent of the visual acuity of an average person. With summer’s strong savannah sun, we handed out sunglasses to protect their eyes. For the elderly and young patients with short‑sightedness, we supplied reading glasses of various strengths,” he said.
By the end of the two‑day session in Mutare, 314 individuals had been examined, surpassing the organisers’ initial target.
Dr Juncker said Opticare Opticians, a local group of optometrists, assisted throughout the tour, and will follow up on cases requiring further investigation, as cataract treatment was not part of this outreach.
Lions Club representatives said the collaboration highlights the impact of international volunteers working with community organisations to address preventable visual impairment.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the unexpected service.
Mrs Vayna Vizini of Chikanga Phase 1 said: “I am happy to have received free reading glasses from Dr Finn. I have been living with short‑sightedness for a while now and I am delighted that I can now read again.”
Members of the Manicaland Albino Association expressed gratitude for being given preferential treatment at Chikanga Hall last Sunday.
Ms Progress Dhliwayo, who attended with her two daughters, said: “We are happy to have been included in the programme and to have received the sunglasses for free. We are grateful for what we received today, but we have been living with short‑sightedness, which affects us when using computers. I am looking forward to receive more suitable spectacles that will help us use our phones and watch television more comfortably. We are keeping our fingers crossed that this programme receives more funding so that we may be further assisted.”
Mrs Tanaka Chingwaru, mother of budding tennis player from Discovery Tennis Academy, said she was elated that her daughter was assisted to pursue her sporting dreams.
Seven‑year‑old Tanaka Chingwaru said: “I am happy to have received the sunglasses. I can now play tennis more freely in tournaments, unafraid of the sun. I hope to improve my performance and win more trophies in future tournaments.”
The International Health and Nursing Academy took part in the outreach, providing free blood‑pressure checks.
Academy director, Mr Doity Mukonorwi said: “We have been looking forward to assist members of the community, and this event gave us the opportunity to do so. We managed to conduct blood‑sugar tests and body‑mass‑index calculations for clients. By the end of the day we had delivered free vital health consultations, encouraging people to lead healthy lifestyles. It is important to note that our health is our wealth; early detection of disease saves lives.”
Lions Club International zone chair, Mr Jackson Njuga, said: “The continued annual outreach demonstrates the amicable relationship between Lions Club District 412A stakeholders, who continue to support Dr Finn Juncker’s visits to Zimbabwe as part of their eyesight pillar of service. As the programme concludes in Manicaland, we look forward to seeing the eye clinic continue in the near future.
