The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
CHIPINGE District Hospital will be carrying out free eye operations from November 30 to December 3.A team of eye surgeons from Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Operation at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals will be in the farming town to conduct the operations.
They will be targeting patients with eye cataracts. A cataract is defined as a opacity of the crystalline lens in the eye.
It is the commonest major cause of blindness in the world and let alone in Chipinge.
Zimbabwe is said to have an annual cataract operation backlog of 60 000 and the magnitude is increasing due to increase in life expectancy and population.
Acting Chipinge District Medical Officer, Dr Brian Makumbe, confirmed the programme and urged all eye patients across the district to visit the hospital for free operations.
“Yes, we are gearing up for free eye operations and this will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of visually impaired people and their caregivers in our community.
“We are calling on all eye patients across the district not to miss this opportunity which is being offered for free. Usually cataracts operations costs around $70 in Zimbabwe, but in this case it will be done for free.
“This programme is targeting at over 100 patients and the hospital is appealing to well wishers and the business community to come on board and donate towards the surgeons’ accommodation,” said Dr Makumbe.
Member of National Assembly for Chipinge Central, Cde Raymore Machingura, has since pledged to offer accommodation to the surgeons.
People who spoke to The Manica Post hailed organisers of the programme for setting an eye camp in Chipinge.
Mr Morris Sithole said he was looking forward to have his eyesight restored.
“Going for eye checkups at hospitals around the country is quite expensive. Very few people can afford the costs. We have been waiting for this exercise for a long time,” said Mr Sithole.
World Heath figures show that there are 125 000 visually impaired people in Zimbabwe, while 65 000 are visually impaired due to cataract.
