New eye clinic in Chikankata, Zambia

A group of people stand in front of a small yellow building with the words "Kafue Gorge Eye Clinic" painted across the front.
 
Written by Amy Dunn Moscoso, published on March 24, 2025 Give the Gift of Sight

Eye health care is more accessible than ever for people in Zambia’s Chikankata District, thanks to the new eye clinic at the Kafue Gorge Hospital.

The clinic was inaugurated in December with music, dance and speeches. We supported the construction of the building and provided ophthalmic equipment and furnishings, all made possible by the generosity of donors like you.

A group of dancers perform at the Kafue Gorge Eye Clinic in December 2023.
Dancers perform at the inauguration of the Kafue Gorge Eye Clinic on December 6, 2024.

Zambia Country Director Phiri Kennedy says, “This is a proud moment for Operation Eyesight. We will continue to support the government through this and many other interventions, to take services closer to the people and prevent avoidable vision loss. We urge the community in Kafue Gorge to fully utilize this service to prevent people from losing sight unnecessarily.”

The clinic now offers a variety of services, from comprehensive eye exams to surgical services and referrals.

The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, our longstanding partner, is supporting the project by equipping the optical shop to dispense eyeglasses.

A group of men cut a ribbon at a ceremony.
Kennedy Phiri, second from left, and Conrad Ngoma, Chikankata District Council Chairman (third from left) cut the ribbon at the Kafue Gorge Eye Clinic.

Beyond the 16,000 people directly served by the clinic, there are another 15 health centres that refer patients to Kafue Gorge Hospital, meaning our investment in this new eye clinic will benefit thousands more people – and their families – in the surrounding districts.

Learn more about our work in Zambia.