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Fungai Lupande

Mashonaland Central Bureau

The Public Service Commission in Bindura has collaborated with ELL Opticians to bring eye care services closer to civil servants.
Hundreds of civil servants underwent eye screenings and received glasses during an Eye Wellness Day.

Mr Timothy Maregere, the Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Mashonaland Central noted that many civil servants experience eyesight issues due to prolonged computer usage, as well as age-related deterioration.

“We commend the Public Service Commission for implementing various initiatives aimed at promoting the health of their workforce,” he said.

Mr David Evans, director and dispensing optician at ELL Opticians, said they brought eye care services to civil servants who often struggle to find time to visit opticians.

He said the response from the civil servants was overwhelming, and there are plans to extend the screening services.

“A lot of people spend most of their time on computers, some do night driving, while others experience itchy eyes. Many clients we saw today were seeking information on eye care,” he said.

“Some civil servants lack access to opticians, so we have partnered with the Government to provide services that cater to all medical aid schemes.”

Mr Evans said they also offer an affordable loan package for civil servants to cover gaps in medical aid coverage.

He emphasised that their goal is to ensure that civil servants remain productive and perform their duties well.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Levi Katambarare, the director of Economic Affairs and Investment, shared his experience.

“I was unaware that I was short-sighted. I have been working on my computer daily, but I didn’t realise my eyesight needed attention. I have been prescribed glasses to correct the issue,” he said.