Motivational speaker and author, Wayne Dyer, wrote, "Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change". He was talking about adopting a positive approach to life, but the truth of his words have had a very practical ring to them for 168 young people at Ekuthuleni and Inanda Primary Schools. The learners had their view of the world (particularly in the classroom) significantly improved when they received prescribed spectacles.They had been among almost 1000.students who went through a series of screening stations, followed by full eye examinations conducted by qualified optometrists from the African Eye Institute (AEI).
The Africa-wide NPO, which has its local operation based in Umbilo, conducts its One School at a Time (OSaaT) programme through which vulnerable children’s visual problems are identified early. Nad Ramsarup, AEI’s Head of Programmes, described the aim of the project as the reduction of avoidable blindness and vision impairment: “Vision impacts learning hugely, and undetected eye problems can negatively impact a child’s performance.” Nad knows these challenges very personally, as he started to lose his sight when only 11 and now is totally blind.
An onsite clinic officer, optician Marlan Kisten, supported learners needing spectacles in choosing frames and encouraged consistent use of their new eyewear.
The screenings had been facilitated through The Domino Foundation’s Life Skills programme which works in the two schools.Programme leader,Thobile Msani, added that Nad’s team had also identified 67 learners with more complex eye conditions and referred them to their nearest public eye health facilities. “We are so grateful to the AEI team for their dedication to their goal of playing such a crucial role in improving the learners’ educational outcomes, overall well-being, and long-term eye health.”
Nad can be contacted at nad @ aei.org.za or on 065 9949862 for enquiries about eye-screenings for underserved children.
