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UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL FOUNDATION FEATURE13FEATUREUKZN Graduate Brings Eye Care to RURAL COMMUNITIES MELISSA MUNGROOUKZN Optometry graduate Ms Nokubonga Mkhalipi recently opened the first community-focused optometry practice in Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal, facilitated by the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundations innovative Vula Amehlo graduate development programme and supported by the University%u2019s Optometry discipline and the UKZN Foundation. The programme, launched by the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, empowers young optometrists to establish independent eye care practices in underserved rural areas, addressing South Africa%u2019s vision care gap while creating economic opportunities. Mkhalipi said, %u2018This opportunity marks a turning point in my career and allows me to provide high-quality, affordable eye care to people who have long been without access.%u2019 The Vula Amehlo programme, meaning %u2018open your eyes%u2019, combines entrepreneurship training, mentorship and funding to enable graduates to establish fully-equipped optical practices in rural areas. Each practice, valued at R2 million, includes prefabricated units, equipment, an initial supply of spectacles and ongoing business and clinical support.%u2018The project is more than just a healthcare solution, it%u2019s a rural economic development programme,%u2019 said Ms Lameez Eksteen, Country Manager for the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation in South Africa. %u2018By empowering graduates like Nokubonga to run their own businesses, we are creating sustainable access to vision care while supporting local economies. Jozini residents now can receive high-quality eye care right in their community.%u2019Mkhalipi%u2019s practice will provide various vision care services, with glasses available for R500 per pair, an affordable option for many rural residents. She also plans to use the platform to educate her community about the importance of eye health and preventive care.Growing up, Mkhalipi witnessed the devastating effects of uncorrected poor vision on people in her community, sparking her passion for optometry. %u2018I%u2019ve seen how poor Ms Nokubonga Mkhalipi, the recipient of an optometry practice in Jozini, administering affordable eye care to community members. At the launch of the Jozini Optometry practice from left: Dr Naimah Ebrahim Khan (UKZN), Ms Pam Govender, Ms Nokubonga Mkhalipi, Ms Busisiwe Butangu and Mr Tebelo Kokoropo (UKZN Foundation).