Joy for 950 patients eye patients
AFTER enduring years with partial blindness and its associated challenges — Ms Joyce Karuwa’s hopes of getting medical spectacles were fading into an abyss.
She had to adjust to living the remainder of her life with the pain that frequently attacks her eyes.
Ms Karuwa had in the past sought medical attention at public and private hospitals, but abandoned the process at consultation stage as the service was priced beyond her reach.
She was not able to raise the funds required for both her medication and the spectacles.
However, her prayers were finally answered recently when Government, in partnership with development agent, HelpAge Zimbabwe rolled out a free eye treatment programme in Rusape.
To add icing on the cake, the spectacles she desperately needed were availed at a subsidised price of US$50.
The programme, which was rolled out in Manicaland came as huge relief to people like Ms Karuwa, who all along could not afford exorbitant eye treatment sessions and medical spectacles on the open market.
The glasses are priced above US$120.
“I have been living with eyesight challenges for a long time, but I could not get treatment because it is very expensive. A lot of people like me are living with eyesight challenges and have resigned to their fate.
“When I heard that there was a free eye programme, I rushed here without thinking twice, and I am elated because I have been attended to. The spectacles were being sold for just US$50, which is very affordable to people like me.
“I would like to thank Government and Help Age for this programme that has assisted the less-privileged people like me,” said Ms Karuwa.
HelpAge Zimbabwe’s programmes officer, Mr Chrispen Kazuwa said they offered the services to 950 people in Manicaland.
He said there is need of such subsidised services as many people end up foregoing treatment due to exorbitant cost of treatment and eyesight accessories.
“The eye health programme was targeting vulnerable members of the society. We are providing the services for free. Patients are screened and treated for free.
‘‘Spectacles are being sold at subsidised cost of US$50, just to meet the cost of cutting and fitting the lenses as well as administration costs.
“In Manicaland, 950 people benefited from this programme, and we have discovered that many people are foregoing eye treatment because of the exorbitant costs associated with the exercise. Eyes challenges often affect those between 20 and 60 years which is the production age, hence the need to take it seriously,” said Mr Kazuwa.
Makoni District Medical Officer (DMO), Dr Tendai Nyafesa said collaboration between Government and development partners is helping alleviate the burden encountered by eye patients.
“We want to appreciate HelpAge Zimbabwe for working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to cover the gaps in the eye services. These kind of collaboration will ease the burden in our communities that struggle cater for their health needs,” he said.