Health and social services minister Kalumbi Shangula on Monday commissioned the Sustainable Vision Centre at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital to increase access to essential eye care services.
The centre was established through a partnership between Oshakati Intermediate Hospital and the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation.
During the commissioning event, Shangula said the establishment of the vision centre follows a successful refraction campaign conducted in 2023, during which approximately 2 200 individuals were screened, and over 1 800 patients received free prescription spectacles.
“That campaign highlighted the urgent need for a permanent, structured eye care service, a need that has now been addressed through the establishment of this vision centre,” he said.
He added that more people will have access to essential eye care services, addressing unmet needs in the community.
Moreover, Shangula stated that patients in need of prescription glasses will now receive quality, affordable care closer to home; school-going children struggling with vision problems will now be screened and supported, ensuring better academic performance; and working adults will now have access to corrective eyewear that enhances their productivity and quality of life.
He said the establishment of the centre aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative services in Namibia, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services.
Last year, Shangula commissioned into service the state-of-the-art rRenal Dialysis Centre at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, following the commission of a similar centre at Katutura Intermediate Hospital.
He noted that more dialysis centres will be opened at the Keetmanshoop, Rundu, Walvis Bay, Katima Mulilo and Otjiwarongo district hospitals during the course of this year. These services were unavailable in the public health sector before.
Meanwhile, programme director of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Naadhira Ndukuya, said through strong partnerships and meaningful discussions, they have over the past two years worked with the ministry to make this service a reality.
Ndukuya said the impact of these services will be profound as children will be able to see clearly in classrooms, workers will perform their jobs more efficiently and elderly people will maintain their independence and dignity.
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