Eyes 24 Specialist Clinic Restores Sight to 10-Year-Old Child with Free Life-Changing Cataract Surgery — Calls for Donor Support

By Evans Jona

MUTARE — A 10-year-old pupil from Zamba High School, who was living in total darkness for the majority of his childhood due to cataracts, has regained his eyesight following a free surgical procedure conducted by Eyes 24 Specialist Clinic in Mutare.

The boy (name withheld), an orphan with no family support, was brought to the clinic by his teachers who had long watched him struggle in silence, unable to access specialized eye care. According to Dr. Everson Bvumbwe, the ophthalmologist who led the operation, the clinic decided to step in out of compassion and a deep commitment to giving back to the community.

“When the teachers came, they explained that this child had never been treated since birth and had no family support unit at all,” said Dr. Bvumbwe. “We just took it upon ourselves to help. We operated on him for free, using our own resources. Thank God, the child can now see, play with friends and read what the teacher writes on the board.”

Cataract surgery in private facilities normally costs between US$800 and US$1,200, an amount far beyond the reach of many underprivileged families. For this young boy, the procedure was a chance to experience light for the first time.

“It was clear the child could not afford such a cost,” Dr. Bvumbwe explained. “But with the little we had; we managed to restore his vision. Seeing the joy in his eyes was worth every effort.”

The clinic has since expressed a strong desire to assist more children and vulnerable patients through free cataract surgeries, but limited resources remain a major hurdle.

“We need financial support the most. Everything, from equipment to staff salaries, must be purchased first before we can offer help,” he said. “Partnerships and sponsorships will allow us to scale up this initiative and restore sight to many more people in need.”

In line with the Health Professions Act and the Hippocratic Oath, Eyes 24 maintains a patient-first philosophy and is open to working with well-wishers, corporate partners and philanthropic organisations willing to support its mission.

The clinic has outlined some of the critical resources required to operate at full capacity. These include advanced operating microscopes, autorefraction machines, trial lens sets, specialised operating instruments, laser machines, cataract kits and mobile clinic vans. Such equipment, Dr. Bvumbwe explained, would enable the clinic to conduct more surgeries and reach people in rural and underserved communities.

“With the right equipment and financial backing, we can reach more people in remote areas, especially children and the elderly who have no access to eye health services,” he said. “We are ready to work with anyone who shares our vision of restoring hope through sight.”

The impact of this act of kindness has already been felt at Zamba Primary School, where the child is enrolled. In a letter addressed to Dr. Bvumbwe, the school expressed heartfelt appreciation for what it described as a “life-changing” intervention.

“Witnessing our pupil’s journey has been a moving experience for all of us,” the letter read. “We remember a time when he faced significant challenges in the classroom and on the playground, navigating a world that was visually unclear. Now, to see him engaging with the world with bright, confident eyes is nothing short of miraculous.”

The letter went on to commend the surgical team, noting the remarkable difference in the learner’s experience since the operation. “He is now able to read the board from the back of the class, participate actively in sports, and connect with friends with a newfound ease and confidence. This transformation is a direct result of your remarkable skill, dedication, and compassion.”

The school also extended its gratitude to the nurses and support staff at Eyes 24, calling their care “a vital part of this wonderful success story.”

For many like this pupil, a single cataract surgery can mean the difference between a lifetime of isolation and a future filled with opportunity. Eyes 24 is hoping that donors and sponsors will rally behind its initiative and help bring the gift of sight to those who need it most.