President launches free spectacles for 100,000 Zambians
The HH Vision 100,000 programme aims to improve eye care access for vulnerable citizens, including learners and the elderly.
President Hakainde Hichilema launched HH Vision 100,000, a new programme that will provide free spectacles to 100,000 vulnerable Zambians. The initiative targets learners, elderly people, military personnel, and individuals living with albinism. President Hichilema announced the programme virtually during the Zambia Ophthalmological Society’s annual conference.
The President stated that the programme is an intervention rooted in social justice, noting that over six million Zambians require spectacles due to poor vision. He explained that the initiative aims to restore dignity and create opportunities for those whose vision problems affect their education and livelihoods. Pilot programmes have already been conducted in schools like New Jack Secondary and Kabanana Secondary, as well as at the Mikango military base.
President Hichilema highlighted that one in five children struggles to see the blackboard and nearly one in three adults has poor vision. He observed that vision-related challenges have long constrained educational opportunities and national development. The pilot programmes demonstrated that improved vision enhances learning and work performance.