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Optician Hope Kwaramba (left) examines commuter omnibus driver Tawanda Jenare’s eyes at Simon Muzenda Street Bus Terminus in Harare yesterday

Rutendo Rori Herald Reporter
More than 100 commuter bus drivers at Fourth Street (Simon Vengai Muzenda) Bus Terminus underwent free eye check-ups yesterday which were being conducted by OPTINOVA Africa in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDC).

OPTINOVA operations manager Ms Lorraine Sanyika said those found with eyesight problems would have to pay half of the normal charge to get treat- ment.

“After pre-screening, those who have eyesight problems will go for comprehensive eye examination and we agreed with ZUDC to offer them treatment at an affordable price,” said Ms Sanyika.

The eye screening programme will be conducted countrywide as part of measures to ensure safety on the roads.

In Harare, it will target Fourth Street, Copacabana, Market Square, Charge Office, Mbare, Machipisa and Makoni bus ranks.

OPTINOVA management consultant Mr Albert Chandavengerwa said the drivers and conductors could afford the low charges for treatment.

“Our major objective is to come up with a programme tailor-made to suit everyone regardless of their income and we have reduced our prices to suit drivers and conductors’ pockets,” he said.

Mr Chandavengerwa pleaded with public drivers and conductors to be disciplined during the exercise.

“We are urging owners of commuter omnibuses to encourage their employees to attend the eye screening process to provide safety for them,” he said.

ZUDC president Mr Fradrick Maguramhinga said the organisation appreciated the initiative since drivers and conductors were low-income earners.

“For us it will always be on record that OPTINOVA has done something for us and this shows that they care for the public’s safety,” said Mr Maguramhinga.

“As ZUDC, we want to prove to the community that we are now putting our house in order from all angles. This is our initiative we have started on our own as drivers.”

Mr Maguramhinga also thanked Steward Bank for providing tents to use as shelter during the eye screening exercise.