Good vision is a basic human right, yet uncorrected poor vision still affects 2.7 billion people around the world despite existing solutions having the potential to solve 80% of all vision problems.
The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation believes in a world where everyone can see more and be more. Reflecting the commitment and values of EssilorLuxottica to eliminate uncorrected poor vision in a generation, the foundation leverages an innovative approach to philanthropy, partnerships and raising awareness to create sustainable access to vision care.
The foundation’s work focuses on partnering with governments, NGOs and like-minded private organisations to create sustainable access to vision care, provide free eye exams and glasses for the people most in need, fund local vision care programs and raise awareness of poor vision among policymakers and at a community level.
To date, the Foundation has launched three operating permanent vision centres in South Africa, namely:
1. Carltonville, Gauteng
2. Dr Yusof Dadoo Hospital in Gauteng
3. Galeshewe Hospital in the Northern Cape
The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation recently launched a new permanent vision centre in Upington at the Dr Harry Surtie Hospital to serve patients. This vision centre will offer an extension of the services already provided at the Hospital and will be accessible to individuals of all ages.
The vision centre aims to prevent eye conditions that can lead to blindness, treat existing eye conditions to prevent further damage to vision and where possible, offer interventions to restore vision and to enhance the quality of sight.
“We look forward to welcoming patients to this new vision centre and to add further value to the services they’ve been receiving,” says Lameez Eksteen, Country Manager for the organisation’s South Africa operations. “We see a bright future. A world where everyone can see more and be more” added Eksteen
Should you wish to access the vision centre, the procedure outlined below will need to be followed:
First-time visitors to the hospital will be asked to fill out a form and a folder will be opened for the patient.
• Bring your ID book
• A referral letter
• Most recent payslip/income assessment (IRP5)
• Hospital card if previously registered at the hospital
The vision centre operating time will be 08h00 to 16h00 daily.
Dr Issacs – Clincical Manager
Mr R Srtydom – HOD of Health
Ms Padmaker – Eye Clinic Unit Manager
Naadhira Ndukuya – Director of Programming for OneSight
