Programme

One School at a Time

“The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela

One of the many challenges of South Africa’s impoverished families is access to quality healthcare. Right now, thousands of children are struggling unnecessarily at school, home, and in social settings because of vision impairment – a problem that can be immediately rectified with a pair of spectacles.

Almost 340 million children suffer from myopia (near-sightedness) making it one of the biggest global public health challenges. The prevalence and severity of myopia is growing, with more than 50% of the world’s population – almost five billion people – expected to be impacted by 2050.

To address this concern, the African Eye Institute (AEI) collaborated with CooperVision, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, and Peek Vision, to launch the One School at a Time (OSaaT) programme in September 2021, as part of the Berkeley Vision global campaign.

The success of the OSaaT programme saw it extended to another three provinces in South Africa in 2023. Strategic partnerships with The Ruya Project brought OSaaT to Gauteng; with the Special Projects Foundation in East London to the Eastern Cape; and with Eye Save to schools in the Western Cape.

Through the OSaaT, children are given the gift of sight, which helps with:

  • Improved self-confidence
  • Better socialisation
  • Enhanced safety in public spaces
  • Increased academic performance
  • Ability to perform daily activities
  • Better future career prospects

PROTECTING THE VISION OF THE ELDERLY

Most people with vision impairment and blindness are over the age of 50 years. This leads to reduced functional status, impacting social interaction and quality of life, while increasing the risk of depression, isolation and physical injuries through falls. For many senior citizens, particularly in poorer communities, there are barriers to accessing eye care services. 

To bridge this gap, AEI brings eye health services to residential facilities for the aged, care homes, and community centres. This includes free vision screening, spectacles, referrals for further care, and other eye care awareness.

Testimonials

One beneficiary, Salim Hoga (12) said the donation has improved various aspects of life: “The spectacles magnify the writing on the chalkboard, helping me to see clearly. I used to trip and fall previously due to lack of proper vision.” Salim added, that with his parents unable to afford spectacles, they were thrilled that he benefitted from free eye screening and this life-changing donation.
Salim Hoga

Testimonials

Asibonge Nene (9) said the spectacles have improved her schoolwork. Commenting on her development, Asibonge’s teacher noted: “She is a hard worker and the spectacles have given her more confidence.”
Asibonge Nene

Our Testimonials

Mrs. Jack said that she has always had a problem with her left eye. Before AEI visited the Lotus River Old Age Home, she was wearing spectacles but her vision in her left eye, with those spectacles were blurry. She was overly excited when she heard that vision screening and eye tests were going to be conducted at the old age home, free of charge. Due to financial constraints, she has not been able to afford an eye test for many years even though she knew that she needed it. Mrs. Jack was very happy with the screening and eye tests. She was appreciative that she could talk to the Optometrist and ask them questions about her eyes. Since she received her new spectacles from AEI, she can see clearly, read with ease and see further than what she was able to before.
Mrs. Jack