Page 12 - UKZN Foundation AR 2023

UKZN AND STER-KINEKOR OFFER
FREE EYE SCREENiNG TO KZN LEARNERS
The UKZN Foundation, together with the College of Health Sciences, partnered with Ster-Kinekor for their Vision Mission campaign that offered free eye screening for learners from high schools and primary schools across KwaZulu-Natal.
The screenings were held as part of Eye Care Awareness Month in October from 09h00 to 16h00 at Ster-Kinekor Gateway, to raise awareness on eye health, specifically around the prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness.
The Discipline of Optometry provided basic eye screening for eye problems including cataracts, stereopsis, colour vision and the need for spectacles to see distance and near.
Dr Naimah Ebrahim Khan, School of Health Sciences Optometry academic leader, said: “According to The World Health Organisation, 2,2 billion people have a distance or near visual impairment, with 1 billion cases not being acknowledged. Vision screening helps to alleviate this burden by detecting correctable vision problems, thus improving the chances of assisting those who need it the most and improving quality of life. UKZN Optometry is appreciative of the opportunity to partner in this initiative with Ster-Kinekor. This will allow our students a meaningful opportunity to give their time and utilise their skills to align with one of UKZN’s mission statements regarding being critically engaged with society.”
Head of CSI Transformation and Wellness at Ster-Kinekor, Ms Geraldine Engelman, said: “Our flagship initiative, Vision Mission, offered free eye exams to individuals in need, in the catchment areas surrounding our cinema. Vision issues
problems at school, and who cannot fully see the chalkboard in classrooms to learn, will now have the opportunity for a free eye screening.”
UKZN Optometry students conduct eye screening on learners.
are amongst the most challenging for disadvantaged communities. Through a partnership with UKZN, this will have a huge impact on future generations, especially those from under-resourced schools. Children who are bullied for their eye
10 UKZN FOUNDATiON ANNUAL REPORT 2023