Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness has moved to protect children’s eyes and prioritise vision care.
In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of eye health, the Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on Thursday, (31 October 2024), called on parents and caregivers to protect children’s eyes and prioritise vision care.
Speaking at the World Sight Day event held at Phillip Kushlick Special School under the theme: “Love the Eyes of a Child”, MEC Nkomo Ralehoko emphasised the importance of regular eye check-ups.
To promote good vision for children, the MEC encouraged outdoor activities and limiting screen time.
World Sight Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of October, while Eye Care Awareness Month was commemorated from 21 September to 18 October).
Of particular concern in Gauteng, the country, and the rest of the world was the rise in myopia among school children.
Myopia – also known as shortsightedness – is a common vision problem, especially among children aged between six and 14 years.
Symptoms of myopia include blurry vision, squinting, frequent eye rubbing, and frequent headaches.
“It is concerning that children are developing shortsightedness at such a young age affecting their learning potential,” said MEC Nkomo Ralehoko.
“We must educate the little ones about the dangers of spending too much time on digital screens and encourage them to engage in outdoor activities.”
Through partnerships with sponsors and stakeholders including the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), The Ruya, Special Olympics, Al Imdaad Foundation, Surgical Ophthalmic Supplies, Ukubona Foundation and Tripple 8, 62 pairs of spectacles were issued to the learners.
The issuing of glasses was part of an ongoing effort to ensure that school-going children with vision challenges are provided with spectacles.
Since the beginning of the 2024/25 financial year, 1 651 pairs of spectacles have been issued to learners from various schools across the province.
“As the school, we are grateful to all the sponsors who made it possible for our learners with eyesight challenges to receive the spectacles,” said Mariam Makhetha, the Principal of Philip Kushlick Special School located inside Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.
“This will go a long way in enabling them to engage in learning activities without any vision difficulties.”
The special school has learners with developmental delays and neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy and other medical conditions that affect their mobility and intellectual capability.
“Currently, 348 learners from Soweto and surrounding areas are enrolled at the school,” said a statement issued by the Gauteng Department of Health.
“Parents with children showing symptoms of myopia are advised to take them to the nearest healthcare facility for a diagnosis.
“Even though myopia cannot be cured, treatment can improve your child’s vision and prevent it from getting worse.”
