Blindness Crisis Deepens in Zimbabwe as Cataracts Rob Thousands of Sight
Zimbabwe is facing a mounting eye health crisis, with cataracts now the leading cause of preventable blindness nationwide.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 125,000 Zimbabweans—about one percent of the population are blind, and half of these cases are caused by untreated cataracts.
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or impaired vision. They develop gradually, often due to aging, and can be treated through surgery that replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one.
In response, Old Mutual Zimbabwe has partnered with the Eye Institute to launch a nationwide campaign offering free cataract surgeries.
The initiative aims to perform more than 300 operations in 2025, building on a successful pilot programme in Manicaland last year that restored sight to over 100 elderly citizens and screened hundreds more.
The Harare Eye Clinic, launched on 18 January 2025, now serves as a central hub for screenings and referrals under the campaign.
At the launch event, Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora emphasised 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.
“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,” he stated.
Old Mutual Corporate Business Executive Mr. Chrispen Dzingirai described the programme as part of the company’s broader commitment to 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 explained.
He announced that the next round of eye camps will be held in Manicaland from 22 to 25 October 2025, and in the Midlands from 21 to 25 November 2025.
The Eye Institute, founded by ophthalmologist Dr. Ron Mhizha, is providing the medical expertise and infrastructure behind the campaign.
“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 noted.
He urged other corporate players to join efforts to expand access to primary eye care across Zimbabwe.
Dr. Mombeshora praised the collaboration 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 remarked.
Through combined resources and expertise, the Old Mutual–Eye Institute partnership is offering thousands of Zimbabweans a renewed chance at vision and a better quality of life.
-Health Times
