Path to better vision opens for taxi drivers

The Springs taxi drivers are on the path to better eyesight and safer driving after receiving eye checks from an optometrist on July 16.

The Springs Taxi Association, ABSA and the CFAO collaborated to ensure health check facilities were at the drivers’ disposal at the Springs Station Taxi Rank.

“We saw that bad eyesight sometimes causes accidents involving taxis, and the drivers’ busy schedules don’t allow them to visit the doctor for checkups,” said the Springs Taxi Association’s PRO, Lyric Tau.

The optometrist, Dr Thabo Matlou, did comprehensive examinations. The drivers with visual defects received spectacles, and those without were told how to better care for their eyesight.

“We also checked their blood pressure because most people don’t know that high blood pressure affects one’s eyesight.”

Matlou pointed out that some drivers might not realise they have bad eyesight until they wear a pair of prescribed spectacles.

“Taxi drivers are always on the road, so exposing their eyes to the sun for a long time affects their eyesight. Overexposure to the sun’s UV radiation contributes to visual defects and might cause cataracts,” Matlou said.

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of your eye. Objects appear foggy, fuzzy, or less vivid when the proteins in your lens degrade.

“It is unfortunate that when you get to the point where you have a cataract, the only solution is surgery,” he added.

One can avoid cataracts by wearing spectacles or tinted sunglasses to protect your eyes. He said another contributing factor to poor eyesight is wearing the same prescribed glasses for over two years.

“I’ve seen people use a pair of spectacles for up to five years, and they end up straining their eyes. You must change your spectacles every two years because, naturally, your vision deteriorates with age.”

The drivers gained invaluable knowledge, such as those over 40 being more likely to experience visual impairments.

“Another interesting fact is that headaches might arise if your eyes are strained. When you wear spectacles, your muscles relax,” Matlou added.

Tau expressed his happiness with the programme’s turnout and hopes it becomes an annual event.