Hundreds of thousands of South Africans are settling for blurred vision because they cannot afford corrective eyewear.
It is a global problem, with estimates on the number of people needing glasses, but unable to get their hands on a pair, ranging from 1 billion1 to 2.5 billion2. But, the numbers are probably higher. Access to optometrists and affordability of glasses are the two main reasons why people who need corrective eyewear don’t seek help.
With billions of people struggling to see and unable to access a pair of glasses, poor vision is the most widespread disability in the world today3. In South Africa, research in 2017 by market researcher EuroMonitor shows that people are compromising on their vision because they do not have money.
“The high cost of living as well as health care, means that many South Africans are not seeking help about vision problems, because they can’t afford to see an eye care specialist or purchase the corrective eyewear that they need. It is a tremendously concerning state of affairs because poor vision has a significant impact on quality of life, performance at school, productivity in the workplace, self-confidence and even safety, yet it is quite easily corrected in most cases,” says Dynamic Vision CEO, Ruahan Naude.
He says that people who are struggling with blurred vision are often first inclined to purchase a pair of reading glasses from a nearby pharmacy to remedy their problem. However, Naude says that people experiencing vision problems should have an eye test done to determine what the cause is. Wearing the wrong lenses can make matters worse.
“Steps to save money by not visiting an optometrist or buying a cheap pair of reading glasses could end up costing more in the long run. Nothing can replace a comprehensive eye examination by a qualified optometrist. With the necessary equipment, knowledge, training and qualifications, optometrists are best placed to identify, diagnose and treat vision problems,” says Naude.
“Optometrist groups should be committed to giving back to their communities by offering affordable options. Entry level frames at our optometrists are well priced and are streets ahead of discount brands in terms of quality,” he continues.
On the first Wednesday of each month, Dynamic Vision Optometrists offer Dynamic Deals. This includes a comprehensive eye test, frames and distance or reading lenses at a reduced price of R950. Dynamic Vision also offers reduced prices on other products, such as multifocals. With this initiative, Dynamic Deals, aims to broaden access to a personalised eye care experience and quality corrective eye wear. Every Wednesday, pensioners can enjoy a discount of 15% on all products.
Naude concludes: “By being savvy and taking advantage of programmes to improve access to quality eyewear, most people don’t have to settle for buying substandard frames and lenses to save money. We care about your vision and through programmes like these we want to make quality eye care and eyewear available to more people.
“Don’t compromise on your eye health or vision!”
REFERENCES:
- By Aneel Karnani, B. G. (2018, 06 27). Better vision for the poor. Retrieved from Stanford social innovation review: https://ssir.org/articles/entry/better_vision_for_the_poor
- Forum, W. E. (2016, 06 01). Eyeglasses for Global Development: Bridging the Visual Divide. Retrieved from World Economic Forum: http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_2016_EYElliance.pdf
- Graeme E. McKenzie, D. (2018, 06 27). The Global need for eyeglasses. Retrieved from Clearly: https://clearly.world/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/The-Global-Need-for-Eyeglasses.pdf
Issued on behalf of Dynamic Vision by Echo Square PR. For more information please call Vickie Slabbert on 082 411 7602 or e-mail vickie@echosquare.co.za.
