UKZN to expand eye-care in rural KZN with mobile clinic

A state-of-the-art Mobile Eye Clinic, valued at more than R2,1 million, was donated to the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Foundation to support the Discipline of Optometry in delivering vital eye-care health to rural and under-served communities across KwaZulu-Natal, where access to healthcare remains a challenge.

The fully-equipped vehicle provided by the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT) will enable the Optometry Discipline to conduct on-site eye screenings, comprehensive examinations and provide corrective eyewear, helping to reduce preventable vision impairment and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

The mobile clinic includes eye test equipment relevant for adults and paediatric patients. A few examples include an autorefractor which is an automated instrument that estimates the power of the glasses that would be required, a handheld slit lamp which is used to view the anterior structures of the eye, and a handheld ocular fundus camera that can take pictures of the posterior (inside) portions of the eye and will assist to examine the integrity of the structures within the eye and pick up any pathologies in that region. It also includes equipment to check for contrast sensitivity and depth perception as well as hand-held instruments to take the pressure within the eye.

Mr Gaff Osman, chairman and trustee of the SAMCT, said: “By supporting this initiative, we aim to help bridge the gap in access to quality eye-care services in rural communities across the province. At the same time, this project will offer invaluable hands-on training for UKZN’s optometry students, allowing them to integrate academic learning with practical service, while making a real difference in disadvantaged areas.”

Dr Naimah Ebrahim Khan, head of the Discipline of Optometry, expressed her delight when she received the keys to the mobile clinic. “During World Sight month, it is so important to raise awareness of the high rate of preventable blindness which is barrier to a huge portion of our population from living a good quality of life,” she said. “We are deeply thankful for this generous donation. The Mobile Eye Clinic represents more than just equipment – it is a lifeline for communities with little or no access to eye-care and an invaluable training ground for our students ensuring that they graduate as competent, compassionate practitioners ready to serve society.”

Mr Shabir Chohan, Chief Executive Officer of Al Baraka Bank and trustee of the SAMCT said, “We are delighted to play a role in something that is so beneficial to the community. As an alumnus of UKZN, having trained some 40 years ago, all education projects such as this wonderful initiative, is very important. Alumni of UKZN have a meaningful role to play in advancing education. Congratulations to Naimah for initiating this project.”

Mr Gaff Osman, Trustee of the SAMCT and Board member of the UKZN Foundation; was also delighted that the SAMCT could assist with yet another well-deserving project. Osman said, “The SAMCT was formed in 2008 and since then we have been supporting sizeable projects throughout South Africa, aimed at improving public healthcare access and supporting educational advancement. As a proud alumnus of UKZN, this mobile eye clinic is set to yield significant long-term benefits for both healthcare delivery and student development.”

Professor Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and an optometrist by profession thanked the SAMCT for the generous sponsorship. He said: “In the CHS, we target students from vulnerable communities in KZN, especially those from Quintile 1-3 schools. This mobile clinic will go a long way in our pursuit to support our disadvantaged communities in the province. We believe that this is the beginning of a long-lasting friendship based on mutual objectives on the side of UKZN and the SAMCT.”