Over 1 000 receive eye care through community health days

 

Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter

COMMUNITY health days have proven to be a success in Manicaland, with over 1 000 individuals receiving optometry services across the province since January.

The ongoing initiative is being spearheaded by ZimSmart Villages and Ministry of Health and Child Care.

In an interview after the World Optometry Week commemoration celebrated last week in Nyazura and Headlands, ZimSmart Villages official, Ms Alsandrah Kuvaoga said through the initiative, they have been making significant strides in providing affordable eye care services to the underserved communities.

“By taking optometry directly to the people, we are, not only addressing an urgent health need, but also empowering individuals by improving their quality of life. We have already covered Hauna, Rusape, Nyanga, Kazozo, Nyazura, Nyamaropa, Mutare, Bende in Nyanga, and Murambinda.
“We have made it a point to have one community health day every month in most of these areas because we have mobile health kiosks there. Since January, we have provided more than 1 000 people with subsidised prices on prescription glasses,” she said, adding that in Mutare, the initiative covered areas like Sakubva, Dangamvura, Zimunya and Chikanga.

“We started conducting community health days in Mutare in June last year, and since then, we have continued to visit the area. Our most recent visit was early this month. We have attended to around 300 people in Mutare,” said Ms Kuvaoga.

Other areas such as Chakohwa and Nhedziwa have also been covered.

“In Rusape and Nyanga, we have attended to around 400 people,” she said, adding that the initiative has proved to be effective in reaching people in the most remote parts of the province, ensuring that everyone has access to eye care services.

The World Optometry Week is commemorated from March 17 to 23.

This year’s theme was: “Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.”

The global movement, spearheaded by World Health Organisation’s SPECS 2030 initiative, aims to increase access to appropriate spectacles by 40 percent by 2030, improving education, productivity, and overall well-being.

Ms Kuvaoga said for Zimbabwe, where eye care is still a luxury for many, they have partnered Government to play a crucial role in making optometry accessible and affordable.

“Eye care is a luxury that many Zimbabweans cannot afford. It is especially challenging for people in rural areas who lack access to healthcare services. That is why we have taken the initiative to bring eye care directly to them through our community health days,” said Ms Kuvaoga.

Through these health days, people receive free eye screenings, immediate diagnoses of conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, and access to affordable spectacles.

“For those who require specialised treatment, we work with ophthalmologists to ensure that the patients are referred to the appropriate care pathways,” she said.

A beneficiary and teacher in Makoni District, Mrs Mirriam Chiweza, expressed gratitude for the services provided, saying she will be taking her parents to the next community health day.

“My vision was deteriorating for months, and I was finding it difficult to see the board while teaching. I could not afford to go to the clinic for an eye test. After attending the community health day, I got a prescription and a pair of glasses at a very affordable price. That has made a huge difference in my life. I can now teach without any issues.

“I was so relieved to finally get an eye test and a pair of glasses. I can now read and teach my learners without straining my eyes. I have also referred my friend and parents so that they can get the same services in Nyazura,” she said.