About 80 patients in the age range of 50-90 years have undergone cataract surgery at the Zomba Central Hospital (ZCH) as part of this year’s World Sight Day commemorations under the theme “Love your eyes kids”.

Speaking during the surgeries, which have been financially supported by the Blantyre Institute for Community Outreach (BICO), Nursing Officer responsible for eye clinic at Zomba Central Hospital, Janet Kaliyati observed that high blood pressure is one of the risk factors for eye problems.

“BP mostly affects the nerves which the human sight also relies on, and this makes one to lose the sight. It is therefore important for people to develop health seeking behaviour,” she said.

Glory Marrah from BICO, said the institution has also sponsored the same operations on children.

Marrah said the institution will continue with awareness in order to address the problem for good.

Mable Wasili, 72, who has regained her sight after two years, thanked BICO and Zomba Central Hospital for such an initiative.

Wasiri implored on the community to always seek medical attention whenever they experience eye problems rather than using traditional eye care practices.

The World Sight Day is commemorated globally on every second Thursday of the month of October annually.