Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
THE Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) Optometry Clinic can now produce up to 1 200 pairs of optical lenses per day, a milestone that positions the institution at the centre of Zimbabwe’s ongoing transformation in eye care services.
This development aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of innovation-driven industrialisation, as BUSE continues to deliver home-grown solutions to the country’s challenges.
Operating within the university’s Optometry Department, the new lens production unit is a modern facility designed to meet growing demand for eye care.
Experts project that global myopia (short-sightedness) cases will rise by nearly 50 percent in the near future, underscoring the importance of local capacity to produce quality optical aids.
With this facility, patients can now have their eyes tested and receive customised spectacles on the same day.
During a recent tour of the clinic, BUSE Vice Chancellor Professor Eddie Mwenje said the institution had made significant progress since the facility’s commissioning.
“When the President commissioned this building, we didn’t have this equipment,” he said.
“Now, the machines are operational and we are producing lenses right here on campus.
“This means we can supply the entire country with quality lenses.”
The facility houses advanced vision analysis tools and fully automated lens manufacturing machinery capable of producing single vision, bifocal and progressive addition lenses.
To further enhance capacity, Prof Mwenje said, the university had approved the procurement of a modern 3D patternless edger, a high-capacity machine capable of cutting more than 100 lenses a day.
“The demand for locally produced eyewear is growing, and we are investing in technology that matches global standards,” he said.
Principal dispensing optician Mr Evans Aboagye said the clinic was well-prepared to support Zimbabwe’s population as demand for eye care grows.
“Our machines can produce up to 1 200 pairs of glasses daily under the 24-hour economy model,” he said.
“Even during test production, we have already made several pairs for patients who walked into the clinic.”
The production process involves several stages, from blocking and generation to polishing, edging, tinting and fitting.
Each prescription is entered into a digital system that automatically selects the correct tools and parameters, guaranteeing accuracy and efficiency.
In addition to traditional CR39 plastic lenses, the lab manufactures polycarbonate lenses, which are impact-resistant and ideal for miners and industrial workers.
“These are stronger lenses suitable for environments where rocks or debris could pose a danger to the eyes,” Mr Aboagye said.
The unit has also developed cosmetically enhanced bifocals, known as bi-aggressives, which provide dual vision support without visible segment lines.
Other custom designs, such as image jam lenses, cater for patients with specialised visual needs.
To ensure consistency, each lens passes through rigorous inspection and quality control before being packaged in BUSE-branded envelopes for safe handling and distribution.
Additionally, the facility serves as a training laboratory for optometry students.
“Our students are learning with real production equipment,” added Mr Aboagye.
“This practical exposure ensures that graduates are ready to contribute to Zimbabwe’s healthcare and industrial sectors.”
University innovation hubs
Zimbabwe’s innovation hubs are a key component of the country’s Education 5.0 policy, which aims to shift the economy towards a knowledge-driven, industrialised and innovation-led model by 2030.
The hubs are both university-based and independent, working to support entrepreneurs, commercialise research and foster a strong tech ecosystem.
These hubs were established at all State universities following a Government mandate in 2018 to foster a technopreneurial culture. The hubs include the following:
- University of Zimbabwe Innovation Hub — Opened in 2019, this facility focuses on translating research into commercial products, creating start-up companies and protecting intellectual property. It has incubated more than 40 innovators, resulting in several graduate start-up companies. The university also operates agro-industrial parks to address agricultural challenges and promote industrialisation.
- Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) Innovation Hub — Launched to provide technical solutions for various sectors of the economy by embracing technologies like the internet of things, big data and artificial intelligence. HIT’s hub has been credited with producing medical equipment prototypes and personal protective equipment.
- Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) Innovation Hub — This hub focuses on creativity, technological advancement and entrepreneurship to drive socio-economic transformation. In addition to its hub, GZU also has a science park and has commissioned manufacturing facilities, including a textile factory.
- National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Technology Centre — NUST supports innovation through its technology centre, which was established through the INDOZIM project. It also collaborates with the independent hub TechVillage to support local innovators.
- Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) Technovation Hub — ZOU’s hub promotes technological research, commercialisation and business incubation to contribute to the knowledge-based industry. It focuses on transforming ideas into marketable goods and services.
