Dr. Kudzai Mutasa

Dr. Kudzai Mutasa is an ophthalmologist with over 14 years of clinical experience at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare — Zimbabwe's largest public hospital complex, named after Stanlake Samkange Parirenyatwa, Zimbabwe's first African doctor. Parirenyatwa serves as the national referral hospital and is affiliated with the University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences. As a Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (FCS COSECSA) in Ophthalmology, Dr. Mutasa holds the premier regional surgical qualification for eye surgeons in sub-Saharan Africa. Zimbabwe has a significant burden of avoidable blindness — cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are major causes of visual impairment in the population, particularly among older adults and those with diabetes. Dr. Mutasa performs high-volume cataract surgery, manages glaucoma with both medical and surgical approaches, and provides diabetic eye screening and treatment. He contributes to outreach eye care programs targeting rural Zimbabwean communities.

Dr. Mutasa earned his MBChB from the University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences — Zimbabwe's national medical school, which trains the country's physician workforce. He subsequently pursued specialist training in ophthalmology and achieved the FCS (Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa) in Ophthalmology through COSECSA — the premier surgical training and examination body for East, Central, and Southern Africa, whose fellowship is recognized across more than 12 countries in the region. COSECSA fellowship training requires completion of structured surgical training rotations, case log requirements, and successful examination in ophthalmic surgery. Dr. Mutasa also completed a specialized certificate in phacoemulsification cataract surgery through the HelpMeSee and International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) programme — an international initiative that trains ophthalmic surgeons in high-volume, high-quality cataract surgery techniques with the goal of eliminating avoidable blindness in low-income countries.

Dr. Mutasa's ophthalmology practice addresses the principal causes of avoidable blindness in Zimbabwe. Cataract surgery is his highest-volume procedure: he performs both manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) and phacoemulsification, the modern ultrasound-based technique that allows smaller incisions and faster visual recovery. He provides intraocular lens implantation (IOL) for restoration of functional vision. Glaucoma management — encompassing both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma — includes medical management with intraocular pressure-lowering eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty, and surgical procedures including trabeculectomy for medication-refractory glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy is a growing focus given Zimbabwe's increasing diabetes prevalence: he performs retinal examination, diabetic screening programs, and laser photocoagulation treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Corneal disease — including infectious keratitis (particularly fungal and bacterial corneal ulcers), corneal scarring, and pterygium — is managed in the outpatient and inpatient setting. He also manages common external eye diseases and refractive errors.

Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals serves all patients in Zimbabwe including expatriates and regional visitors. The hospital's ophthalmology department can provide eye care consultations and surgical services for international patients. Private ophthalmology services are also available in Harare through private clinics and Avenues Clinic — one of Zimbabwe's leading private hospitals — which provide cataract surgery and glaucoma management with facilities oriented to international and private-pay patients. Zimbabwe has improved its economic stability and healthcare access in recent years. Harare is accessible by air from Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Dubai. For complex vitreoretinal surgery or corneal transplantation, referral to Johannesburg, South Africa, is typically arranged. Dr. Mutasa communicates in English, Shona, and Ndebele.

Dr. Mutasa's FCS Ophthalmology (COSECSA) fellowship is the highest regional surgical ophthalmology qualification in East, Central, and Southern Africa — equivalent to board certification in many international systems. His advanced phacoemulsification certification through the HelpMeSee/IAPB programme reflects recognition by international eye health organizations for his contribution to high-quality cataract surgery in Zimbabwe. His participation in outreach eye care camps targeting rural Zimbabwe — often organized in collaboration with CBM International and other global eye health organizations — demonstrates professional commitment to eliminating avoidable blindness beyond the hospital setting. He has been recognized by the Ophthalmological Society of Zimbabwe for his clinical contributions and continuing professional development.