equipment is now available and we are in the process of finalising the project,” said Mr Vera.
The project, which was conceived last year, was delayed due to lack of space.
He said the new clinic followed the opening of an eye unit for children below the age of five at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in July. Previously, children with eye problems shared the same facilities as adults.
The concept of specialisation in paediatric ophthalmology is the brainchild of the World Health Organisation and the International Association of Prevention of Blindness.
According to eye specialists, the burden of eye problems in children in Zimbabwe is significant, although there are no proper statistics on the actual number affected. It is estimated that at least 28 percent of children below the age of five in Zimbabwe are vitamin A deficient, and annual deaths attributable to the deficiency are estimated at 4 900. Common causes of blindness in children include measles and retinopathy of prematurity.
Most of the conditions are preventable and can be treated.
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