Foundation

UKZN’s Discipline of Optometry’s Clinic has received a generous donation of optical equipment and resources from the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation which will allow the clinic to deliver affordable, high-quality eye care to underserved communities and enhance the practical training of students.

The support was facilitated by academic leader and Optometry lecturer Dr Naimah Ebrahim Khan and the UKZN Foundation.

The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, one of the leading optical groups globally, recognised the valuable work being done by UKZN Optometry. ‘A few years ago, OneSight included students in their outreach efforts,’ said Ebrahim Khan. ‘They saw the impact we were having in our community and decided to assist.’

This collaboration was not only a response to community needs but also a recognition of the resource challenges faced by UKZN Optometry. The donation includes frames, lenses, trial sets and click checks, which will significantly enhance the clinic’s services.

For many patients who have struggled to afford optical devices, the donation will reduce costs and expand access to essential vision care.

One of the key components of the partnership is the provision of 500 frames and lenses, allowing UKZN to offer more affordable spectacles. The variety of frames ensures suitability for the diverse range of patients visiting the clinic, which serves both the general public and UKZN staff and students.

Said Ebrahim Khan: ‘Many patients cannot afford optical devices. This donation will ensure that the price point is significantly reduced, making vision care more accessible.’

OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation’s commitment extends beyond just donations. For the first three months, the company will handle all lab scripts, providing customised lenses for patients. From simple distance correction glasses to multifocal lenses, there are no restrictions on the types of glasses that will be provided during this period. ‘This generosity allows us to meet the full spectrum of vision needs, from distance to near and intermediate vision,’ added Ebrahim Khan.

In addition to enhancing patient care, the donation is a game-changer for UKZN’s optometry students. A complete set of optometry equipment can cost upwards of R30 000, and many students struggle to afford that. The donated trial sets will allow students to practise clinical procedures without this financial burden, ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial background, have the tools they need to succeed.

The hands-on experience gained at the clinic is invaluable to students’ professional development. ‘Students serve a minimum number of hours in the clinic, supervised by registered optometrists. This training forms the core of their professional growth,’ said Ebrahim Khan.

The UKZN Optometry Clinic has been a cornerstone of the University’s health services for 35 years, offering vision care to the public and contributing to the training of future optometrists. This partnership will enhance the clinic’s outreach efforts, allowing it to serve more patients at a faster rate through the use of click checks, which streamline vision screening processes.

With cost-effective spectacles now available, the clinic anticipates an increase in patient numbers over the coming months. The clinic has already begun spreading the word about these affordable services through local newspapers, UKZN’s internal communications and referrals from public hospitals.

UKZN Optometry and the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation are exploring future collaborations, including the continuation of reduced rates for spectacles. One particularly exciting venture is the Vula Amehlo initiative, which aims to establish optometry practices in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Graduates will receive practice management training and, ultimately, ownership of the practice – at no cost to them. This programme has already been launched in other African countries, and UKZN Optometry is proud to be part of its expansion into South Africa.

The partnership is timely, coinciding with a series of events held in celebration of World Sight Day 2024. Throughout October, UKZN Optometry participated in multiple outreach efforts, including vision screening in Newcastle, where 267 patients were seen, and screenings were held on UKZN’s Westville campus and in Port Shepstone.

As UKZN Optometry continues to grow its services, the support from the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation will ensure that both the community and students thrive. ‘This partnership strengthens the incredible work UKZN Optometry does, often with limited resources. It’s about helping them reach more people and improving the lives of those in need,’ said Ms Lameez Eksteen, Country Manager for the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation in South Africa.

Name of author: Melissa Mungroo mungroo@ukzn.ac.za

Photographer: Sethu Dlamini