Joburg and partners provide free eye care for senior citizens on World Sight Day

The City of Johannesburg's Citizen Relationship and Urban Management Department (CRUM) Region F, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg's Department of Optometry and Clicks Killarney Mall, hosted a World Sight Day for elderly residents at the Reuven Old Age Home on Thursday, 08 October 2026. The initiative aimed to promote accessible, available, and affordable eye care while raising awareness about the critical importance of vision health.

As part of its community outreach and development program, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) deployed 30 third-year optometry students to conduct tests and diagnoses on site.

Dr Ayesha Suliman, UJ's third-year community service coordinator, emphasised the critical role of strategic alliances in reaching vulnerable populations who frequently suffer from unaddressed vision loss.

“This is an important milestone toward eye care for all," Suliman said. “We are providing immediate relief through reading glasses and eye drops, and we will manufacture custom prescription glasses with the assistance of Essilor OneSight initiative. Furthermore, residents requiring cataract surgery are being listed and referred through our partnership with the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa."

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the doorstep services. Mia Bezuidenhout, a resident at the Reuven Old Age Home, said: “I battle to see, especially when I'm reading my Bible, and I am overjoyed to receive my reading glasses. I have also been added to the list for cataract surgery assistance."

City officials highlighted that public-private collaboration remains the primary engine for extending municipal services directly into local communities.

Kokela Silimela, Deputy Director of Citizen Relationship Management in Region F, commended the corporate and academic sponsors, stating that the City is only able to deliver such comprehensive support through these vital partnerships.

She added that corporate collaborators demonstrate a strong commitment to community outreach, helping build the momentum required to deliver lasting change and eliminate avoidable sight loss.

Written by Dudu Lushaba
08/10/2026

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