Opticianry Students Make a Difference in Communities
SHOWING CARE: Opticianry Students participated in two recent outreach activities and contributed towards eye and visual health in communities.
Thursday, 02 April 2026
Final-year Opticianry students recently stepped beyond the classroom to make a difference in communities and gain valuable hands-on experience during two outreach efforts
In early March a group of six students from the Department of Ophthalmic Sciences participated in the UWC IPEU outreach in Klipheuwel, outside Durbanville, supporting their South African Optometric Association (SAOA) optometry partners.
The students assisted the optometry team with vision screenings for community members.
Later in March a group of six students travelled to Robertson to join the SAOA optometry partners to support the Langeberg Start Well INReach initiative. The initiative was facilitated by Stellenbosch University in collaboration with the Western Cape Government Departments of Health and Wellness and Education, as well as several NGOs.
Over three days, the optometry team – accompanied by an ophthalmologist – screened more than 260 community members, including more than 200 learners from 11 schools in the district. Spectacles were prescribed for more than 80% of those tested and some were referred for pathology management.
Ntombi Zitha, Co-Chair of the SAOA Public Health Committee and Chairperson of the World Council for Optometry Public Health Committee, said: “During the outreaches, the students realised their understanding of optometry and their own potential in ophthalmic science. The one thing they said was that they saw the textbook coming to real life.”
Final-year student Xilaveko Khazamula said: “This experience was more than practice – it was a powerful reminder of purpose. It brought the theory to life, and in many ways, it brought life back to me.”
Angelique Walbrugh, lecturer in the Ophthalmic Sciences Department said: “It is evident that through these outreach activities, our students get to understand the value of their professional duties within the eye care team and the importance of their contribution towards eye and visual health in our communities.”
Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za
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