Published: 2 hours ago

In response, Old Mutual Zimbabwe, working with the Eye Institute, has rolled out a series of free eye clinics across the country aimed at conducting over 300 cataract surgeries in 2025. The initiative builds on a 2024 pilot programme in Manicaland, which restored sight to more than 100 elderly citizens and provided screenings for hundreds more.

Speaking at the launch of the Harare Eye Clinic, Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora highlighted the urgency of tackling avoidable blindness.

"Eye diseases remain among the top five causes of outpatient visits, with the most common being refractive errors, cataracts, conjunctivitis, trauma, and glaucoma," he said.
"Up to 80 percent of blindness in Zimbabwe is avoidable if timely interventions are made. Partnerships such as this one ensure no Zimbabwean is left behind in accessing the gift of sight."

Old Mutual Corporate Business Executive Mr. Chrispen Dzingirai said the initiative was part of the company's broader social responsibility.

"In 2024, we partnered with the Eye Institute to serve citizens aged 60 and above. The impact of cataract surgery went beyond medicine—it restored dignity, independence, and confidence," he said.

He announced that the next series of eye camps will take place in Manicaland from 22–25 October 2025 and in the Midlands from 21–25 November 2025.

The medical backbone of the programme is provided by the Eye Institute, founded by ophthalmologist Dr. Ron Mhizha, who stressed the importance of scaling up.

"We provide the skills and technology, while Old Mutual has provided resources and reach. With government support, we are confident this programme can achieve national coverage. Restoring sight is not just medical—it restores dignity and livelihood," Dr. Mhizha said.

He urged other corporates to join in expanding access to primary eye care across the country.

Dr. Mombeshora commended the partnership as a model for inclusive health delivery.

"Together we are building a system that works for all, urban and rural, young and old. Efforts like these are saving sight and reminding us that health is not only about policies and budgets but about people," he said.

With elderly citizens now making up nearly 5 percent of Zimbabwe's population, cataracts are expected to remain a major public health challenge unless interventions are scaled up. But through combined resources and expertise, the Old Mutual–Eye Institute partnership is offering thousands a renewed chance at vision—and life.
- Health Times