Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
DOZENS of elderly people in Harare on Wednesday received free eye screening services under a private sector initiative aimed at reducing preventable blindness and improving access to quality eye care.
The programme, held during the official opening of Pentagon Eyecare, complements Government efforts to expand access to affordable eye health services in line with the National Eye Health Strategy and Vision 2030’s universal health coverage targets.
Beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, saying it would improve their quality of life by enabling early detection and treatment of eye conditions common among older people.
Mr Nedson Shoko said the programme demonstrated that senior citizens had not been forgotten.
“No one cares about our sight despite our age, yet we still want to see our grandchildren and remain active in our communities. We are grateful to the Government and the private sector for recognising our needs,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Ms Lynne Shoko, said the screenings would help restore dignity and independence among elderly people.
“This is a timely intervention that will allow many senior citizens to continue participating meaningfully in family and community life,” she said.
Speaking at the launch, Pentagon Eyecare managing director Mr Wadzanai Mujuru said the initiative was driven by the need to make quality eye care accessible to all Zimbabweans.
“Clear vision should not be a privilege when it is a necessity. Eye care is fundamental to learning, productivity, opportunity and human dignity,” he said.
Mr Mujuru said the company was committed to providing high-quality services at affordable prices without compromising standards.
“We have not lowered our standards to become affordable. Instead, we have challenged ourselves to make excellence affordable,” he said.
“Every patient who walks through our doors should leave feeling respected, valued and genuinely cared for.”
He said the initiative represented more than the opening of an optometry practice, describing it as a long-term commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities through accessible eye health services.
“The greatest vision is not only what we see with our eyes, but what we see with our hearts. What begins today as a vision will grow into a movement that transforms lives,” said Mr Mujuru.
