Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals is carrying out free eye surgery on people affected by cataracts.
Procedures started with a screening process conducted yesterday, with operations set to begin today and run until Friday.
At least 500 patients are targeted for this week, with these being selected in the screening process.
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens behind the iris and pupil, whose signs and symptoms include blurred vision.
In an interview, Parirenyatwa Hospital spokesperson Mr Linos Dhire said many people had responded to the programme.
“We have actually been overwhelmed,” he said. “Our target was 500 patients to be operated for the cataracts but already our register has more than 1 000 patients so we are actually overwhelmed.
“Everything is in order, all the 500 will be operated then for the other 500, we still have to find a way because we have registered all of them.”
Mr Dhire said they will not be taking new patients for now, until the screened batch has been cleared.
At the hospital yesterday, several people were at the eye unit with doctors busy screening them.
Patients who sought the hospital’s assistance said they were excited and grateful for the support.
Ms Nyengeterai Munaku of Shurugwi said: “I cannot see well and I do not know whether I have the cataract or not. This screening process will help doctors tell the way forward.”
Mr Java Sibanda said: “I come from Mberengwa. I am waiting for the doctor to examine me. I hope my eyesight will improve. I usually feel pain in my eyes.
“At times I feel small grains of sand in my eyes. It is very painful. I pray so that professionals can give me the best medical treatment and ensure that the cataract will be successfully removed.”
Ms Catherine Chimonyo of Budiriro, Harare, said: “I was affected by very small grains in my eyes. This programme will have a positive impact in many lives including me. I feel pain in my eyes so this is the best time we think all these problems will be addressed by our doctors.
“Several people are on the ground busy waiting for the advice that doctors will give. I am still waiting for the doctor to screen me.”
A grandfather, Mr Noyi Kabvumo of Chitungwiza, also said: “I have problems with my eyes and I think this is the best place where I am going to be healed. My problem started long back so I am grateful.
“I can’t see well. As you can see, l have an eye which is bigger than the other.” – The Herald
