Seventy-five learners from Mvelaphanda Primary School now have the gift of sight thanks to a donation from Novartis Pharmaceutical Company, Opti Eyewear Optometrists, Kaya FM and Ster-Kinekor.
Learners gathered at Waterfall, Ster-Kinekor on 18 November, where they received their new spectacles and had the opportunity to watch a movie and test out their new glasses.
Geraldine Engelman, the head of Corporate Social Investment and Wellness and Transformation at Ster-Kinekor, added that when someone has received ‘new eyes’ it was important to test them. “We thought it would be fun to show the learners that, with the new eyes they are now able to see the movies better, but not just a free movie.
“We thought it would also be fun to let them experience our amazing popcorn and our slush as they watch Marnie’s World.”
Sibonile Dube, who heads communications and public affairs at Novartis Africa Cluster, added that because they focus on ophthalmology as one of their franchises they saw this as a fitting opportunity with the work they do in communities. “We screened 104 learners at the school of which a further 75 were tested and they are getting glasses today.
“Within the group, there were diagnoses of hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism (a condition which causes blurred vision), vernal keratoconjunctivitis (a chronic eye inflammation caused by an allergic reaction) and only two with pathological conditions that needed referral to an ophthalmologist.
“Assuming that some of them might be coming from homes where they cannot afford a pair of glasses, I believe this was appropriate.”
Refiloe Molefe from Opti Eyewear Optometrists, who also partnered with the three organisations to make this initiative a success, added that normally they reach out to underprivileged communities where they focus on children and the elderly. “We looked into what we do as a service provider which is providing spectacles, contact lenses or eye-related therapy and thought why not lend a hand to the children who need glasses.”
Representing Kaya FM was managing director, Greg Maloka, who explained that they were doing it for the children. They have been working with the school for the last nine years. “Kaya’s idea around CSI has always been to be able to follow up with the children to do once-off campaigns and pick up what their needs are.”
One of the learners, Linneth Mahada from Mvelaphanda Primary School expressed her gratitude, adding that she was so happy to geta new pair of glasses. “I can see better, my eyes were troubling me so much I felt like I could not see anymore. They were also painful at times but I am glad I will even be able to see the movie with clarity.”
After the movie, the learners were all treated to lunch before they went home.
Details: For more, contact Yolanda Yamani 072 564 0288;
Sibonile Dube 066 473 8113.
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