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Amos Mpofu, [email protected]

THE Zimbabwe Council for the Blind in partnership with Richard Morris Hospital has started screening people for cataracts ahead of an eye camp to be held in Bulawayo next month.

The initiative, which is being conducted free of charge, began on Monday last week and aims to aid individuals with treatable eye complications.

Screened individuals are expected to attend an eye camp to be held from 29 to 31 July at Richard Morris Hospital which is part of United Bulawayo Hospitals.

A cataract is clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye.
In an interview, the director of the Zimbabwe Council for the Blind, Mr Aplon Nyathi, said cataracts usually affect old people.

“Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it harder to read, drive at night or even see the expression on a friend’s face. It’s like looking through a frosty, fogged-up window,” he explained.

Mr Nyathi said the eye camp will benefit many people who cannot afford the cost of cataracts treatment.
“About 75 percent of individuals with cataracts stand to benefit from this initiative. We recognise that many people cannot afford the costs involved hence this eye camp,” he said.

Mr Nyathi said cataracts develop gradually and it is therefore important especially for the elderly to go for cataracts screening.

“Cataracts develop slowly and as such they don’t disrupt eyesight in the early stages. However, over time, they affect vision.
“If impaired vision starts to interfere with daily activities, cataract surgery which is a safe and effective procedure becomes necessary,” he said.

The screening campaign has so far covered Tshabalala and Nkulumane suburbs .
Today, the screening will be in Pelandaba and Old Pumula before moving to Luveve and Magwegwe suburbs on June 18, while Njube and Mzilikazi suburbs will be visited on June 25.

Princess Margaret, Khami, and Northend clinics will be attended to on July 2 with Entumbane and Emakhandeni covered on July 9.
Residents of Nketa suburb will be screened on July 16, Mahatshula on July 22 while EF Watson Mpopoma and Cowdray Park residents will be screened on July 23.