We are very proud of our annual Vision Care Project in Cooperation with Merriman Lion’s Club Goodwood. The project runs from November (Vision Month) to June (Youth Month) every year.

Learners from underprivileged schools in the Northern Suburbs are screened by volunteers from Merriman Lion’s Club. More than 15 000 children have been screened to date. Children with possible visual problems are identified and seen by VDM Optometrists at our annual Vision Care day. We have prescribed 547 pairs of spectacles to date.

We have recently secured funds for the next 4 years and are aiming to assist more children each year.

Children with undiagnosed visual and ocular health problems often have poor academic performance. Those who cannot see clearly on the board, will copy incorrectly and will fall behind in class. Children who struggle to maintain comfortable vision at near might struggle with reading, eyestrain and headaches. Children with poor vision might struggle to concentrate in class and fidget and disturb other learners. The public health system is under severe pressure since the pandemic. School screening programs, whether it is Optometry, Dentistry, Audiology, etc., are vital for the well-being of the children in South Africa.

Stats to date:

2021:

Screened: 5 000

Spectacles prescribed: 139

Referrals to Tygerberg Hospital: 2

2022:

Screened: 10 000

Spectacles prescribed: 408

Referrals to Tygerberg Hospital: 1

We are always seeking more donations and volunteers for this project.
If you would like to get involved, please contact Elizma at admin@vdmoptom.co.za