Princess Sibanda
BEITBRIDGE — In a move that has left local immigration officials blinking a local company has launched a free eye-screening blitz at the country’s busiest border post to ensure no one—be it an officer, a taxman, or a traveler—is left in the dark.
The free screening ends tomorrow.
Sparkling Opticals teamed up with the Zimbabwe Immigration Department to set up a temporary clinic right inside the Beitbridge Border boardroom. According to company director Charles Chisongorera, the turnout has been nothing short of spectacular, with immigration officers, ZIMRA officials, and security personnel queueing up alongside ordinary travelers.
Chisongorera says the initiative’s goal is to “protect people from different eye conditions through screenings and eyewear provision”. The move will also see authorities with vision problems be equipped better to perform their duties be it spotting a border jumper or spotting dubious paperwork.
Not to be left out in the programme are travelers who will also be able to get spot checks.
“As I was stamping my passport, I overheard immigration officers talking about the screenings and decided to join. I’m thankful because many people lose their sight due to conditions that can be treated early,” shared Chipo Nyamandi, a traveler who described the programme as “heaven-sent” after being prescribed a pair of spectacles.
The optical team has already rolled out spectacles at Nyamapanda, Kariba, Mutare borders and at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Chisongorera also took the time to drop some posh style advice on the crowd, reminding everyone that sunglasses aren’t just for looking like a high-rolling Harare socialite or a British tourist on safari.
“Sunglasses are not only for fashion but also help protect eyes from dust and diseases such as cataracts,” he noted solemnly.
