President Hakainde Hichilema Commits to Restoring Sight Through Donation of 100,000 Spectacle
Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving eye health and restoring sight for Zambians by the donation of 100,000 pairs of spectacles under the HH VISION 100K Programme. This initiative comes at a time when more than six million Zambians are estimated to be in need of corrective spectacles.
The commitment was highlighted during the launch of the HH VISION 100K Programme at the Zambia Ophthalmological Society (ZOS) Congress, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka from 5th to 6th November 2026.
In a video address to delegates, President Hichilema emphasized that restoring sight is about more than improving vision. He noted that giving people the ability to see clearly restores dignity, enhances quality of life, and opens doors to education, employment, and opportunity for all Zambians.
The President further observed that poor vision has remained a silent challenge, limiting educational achievement, livelihoods, productivity, and national development for far too long. He described the donation of 100,000 spectacles not merely as an act of charity, but as a matter of social justice, aimed at ensuring that every Zambian has the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of economic circumstances.
The HH VISION 100K Programme is expected to make a significant contribution toward addressing the burden of uncorrected refractive errors and advancing Zambia's efforts to achieve universal access to quality eye care services.
Speaking at the same event, the Minister of Health and Guest of Honour, Prof. Roma Chilengi, MP, called on eye health professionals to uphold the highest standards of ethical practice and embrace innovation, research and partnerships in advancing eye care. He reaffirmed Government's commitment to improving access to quality eye health services and urged stakeholders to work together in eliminating avoidable blindness across the country.
The Zambia Ophthalmological Society Congress was held under the theme "Transforming Eye Care Through Innovation, Research and Partnership." The congress attracted more than 200 delegates from Zambia and several other countries, providing a platform for scientific exchange, collaboration and discussions on the future of eye care in the region.
The Minister further called upon eye health workers, professional associations and cooperating partners to support preparations for the College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa (COECSA) Congress, which Zambia will host from 11th to 13th August 2027. He described the event as a unique opportunity to showcase Zambia's progress in eye care and strengthen regional collaboration in the fight against avoidable blindness and visual impairment.
The Zambia Ophthalmological Society expressed its gratitude to all delegates, partners, sponsors and stakeholders whose support contributed to the success of the congress and reiterated its commitment to advancing quality, accessible and equitable eye care for all Zambians.
By Dr V
Brian Ng'andwe
