The Mzuzu University Optometry Students Association (MUOSA) joined the whole world to commemorated World Sight Day on 8th October 2026 under the global theme “Love Your Eyes, Every Story Counts.” The event was organized by the Department of Optometry and MUOSA and took place from 8:00 AM CAT to 3:30 PM CAT.
The celebration aimed to promote eye health awareness and provide free eye screening services to communities surrounding Mzuzu University.
The celebration commenced with a big walk from the Mzuzu University main gate to the Mzuzu University Eye Clinic. The walk brought together optometry students, lecturers, and community members who came to participate in the free eye screening exercise.
Before the screening commenced, a speech was delivered by Angela Ngulube and Esther kufakwina students, who spoke about how optometry students can interact with the community.
This was followed by a public eye health awareness session conducted by the Outreach Coordinator, Mr Emmanuel Kanyika. The session emphasized the importance of eye health and encouraged community members to take an active role in caring for their eyes.
Parents, workers, and pupils from different primary and secondary schools in communities surrounding Mzuzu University were invited to participate in the event. The community responded positively, with people turning up in large numbers to benefit from the activities organized for the day.
Free eye screening services were conducted at the Mzuzu University Eye Clinic. A total of at least 100+ clients were screened during the event.
Pupils from different primary and secondary schools who underwent screening were given free sunglasses. In addition, parents and guardians who were found to have near-vision problems were assisted with reading glasses.
These activities contributed to promoting eye health awareness and improving access to basic eye care services among members of the surrounding communities.
The MUOSA President, Mr Moffat Mtimauwawa, encouraged community members to undergo regular eye check-ups as one way of aligning with this year’s theme. He also encouraged students to continue learning and to take optometry services to the communities where they live.
The Head of Department, Dr Chikasirimobi GoodHope Timothy, emphasized the importance of optometry as an academic career. He described optometry as a good profession with great future prospects and encouraged students to be proud of their course.
The Guest of Honour, the Dean of the Faculty of Health sciences, Dr Kumwenda, thanked the Department of Optometry and the optometry students for the initiative to organize the event so that community can benefit also through public awareness and free eye screening.
Reported by Moffat Mtimauwawa (liaison officer, Mzuzu university)
