Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau
THE Midlands Inclusive Eye Health Project has achieved a remarkable milestone, restoring sight to 2 370 individuals in the province.
The project has provided 1 604 people with free cataract surgeries and 766 with spectacles, improving their quality of life. This milestone achievement underscores the province’s commitment to universal healthcare, according to the Provincial Medical Director, Dr Mary Muchekeza.
She made the remarks while addressing health personnel and other delegates at the World Sight Day commemorations at the Midlands State University (MSU) main campus in Gweru last week.
The day saw hundreds of students receiving free eye health screenings and free spectacles. The World Sight Day commemorations aim to raise awareness of eye health issues.
“To date, through the Midlands Inclusive Health Project alone, 1 604 people have received free cataract surgeries and 766 people have received spectacles,” said Dr Muchekeza.
The project’s impact, she noted, extends far beyond statistics by transforming the lives of marginalised communities.
With the provincial eye unit at Gweru Provincial Hospital now equipped with high-value ophthalmic equipment, Dr Muchekeza said residents can access quality eye care, reclaiming independence and dignity.
“This support aligns perfectly with the Government’s vision to ensure health services for all, leaving no one and no place behind,” she said.
Dr Muchekeza highlighted that the 2024 World Sight Day theme “Love Your Eyes” carries a special focus not only on general eye health but also on the well-being of children, emphasising the importance of nurturing good vision from a young age.
“Today, we celebrate our collective efforts to safeguard vision, acknowledging the progress we’ve made, while also turning our attention to future generations.
Ensuring children receive the proper eye care they need is important to their education, development and future opportunities. Healthy eyes mean a brighter future—not just for individuals, but for entire communities.”
Dr Muchekeza stated that the Ministry of Health and Child Care has the primary mandate of providing eye health services and is fortunate to have strong support from partners and donors who support eye health initiatives in the province.
“I want to acknowledge organisations such as CBMG, HelpAge and others whose contributions have been instrumental in strengthening the delivery of eye health services in our province,” she said.
She praised the Midlands Inclusive Eye Health Project as an outstanding example of how partnerships can improve access to eye care, especially for those in underserved areas.
“Their support has enabled us to reach children and adults alike, delivering critical eye care services, surgeries and spectacles that have changed lives. This support complements the Government’s vision to ensure health services for all and leave no one behind,” she said.
Dr Muchekeza pointed out that many children suffer from uncorrected refractive errors and other preventable conditions that can impact their learning and quality of life.
“This is why today’s theme, focusing on children, is so important — it reminds us that the foundation of a healthier future starts with caring for young eyes. I hope that service provision today targeting young adults in the university will be cascaded to school children,” she said.
She emphasised that healthcare providers, educators and community leaders are responsible for raising awareness and ensuring that children receive regular eye examinations, early diagnosis and appropriate interventions. Doing so, she said, will help children succeed academically and socially while reducing the long-term burden of visual impairment.
Online Reporter