Free eye screenings bring clearer vision to over 1 200 Gauteng seniors
An optometrist uses an autorefractor to assess patients’ vision during the World Sight Month outreach.
Image: Supplied
More than 1 200 elderly residents of Marlboro, Alexandra and surrounding townships received free eye care during October, thanks to a joint initiative by the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), Bombela Concession Company (BCC), African Eye Institute (AEI), University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH).
Professor Nabeela Hasrod from the University of Johannesburg, centre, and Logan Naina from the African Eye Institute, right, with UJ optometry students who conducted vision screenings during the outreach.
Image: Supplied
The outreach, held every weekend at Gautrain’s Marlboro Station, offered comprehensive eye examinations, with 84% of participants prescribed spectacles to improve their vision. In addition to eye care, attendees underwent health screenings for diabetes, blood pressure and HIV, acknowledging the direct links between these conditions and eye health. Those requiring further treatment were referred to Gauteng Department of Health facilities.
A beneficiary from Alexandra consults with a UJ optometry student and the supervising optometrist before receiving his spectacles.
Image: Supplied
“This initiative exemplifies the African Eye Institute’s unwavering commitment to reaching those most in need,” said Professor Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, chairperson of AEI. “Countless elderly individuals endure silent suffering due to vision loss, simply because they lack access to affordable eye tests and spectacles. By delivering essential eye care and health screenings directly to communities, particularly during World Sight Month and Transport Month, we are restoring not only sight, but also dignity, confidence and independence. This is the true impact of collaboration: transforming lives through accessible, preventive and compassionate eye health care.”
A University of Johannesburg optometry student examines a community member as part of the free eye care services provided during the initiative.
Image: Supplied
The campaign formed part of a month-long series of events aimed at raising awareness about the importance of regular vision checks and early intervention, especially among vulnerable and underserved populations. Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates that more than one billion people live with preventable or untreated vision impairment, often due to limited access to affordable care.
This year’s World Sight Month theme, “Love Your Eyes at Work”, encouraged all South Africans to prioritise their vision health through regular examinations and proactive care.
By bringing eye care directly to the community, the initiative not only restored sight for many seniors but also highlighted the power of partnerships in improving access to essential health services.