The University of Johannesburg (UJ), in partnership with the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT), has launched a R2.5m mobile optometry clinic to take eye care into the hearts of communities, reports TimesLIVE.
The fully equipped clinic will provide comprehensive eye examinations, assess eye health and manufacture spectacles on site, said Professor Nabeela Hasrod Gany, head of UJ’s department of optometry, who said the project was about more than simply diagnosing people with vision problems.
“Diagnosis without access to the solution is not enough. This project is about closing the loop between diagnosis and immediate treatment by bringing clinicians, equipment and a spectacle lab within reach of people. We can identify the problem and, where possible, provide the spectacles that solve it – right there in the community.”
In 2025, UJ’s department of optometry conducted 53 outreach initiatives, examined about 5 520 patients and provided 1 038 pairs of spectacles free of charge.
UJ vice-chancellor and principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi said the figures represented more than just statistics.
“Those numbers are significant, and behind each number is a person. Let’s not forget that a child trying to see what is written on a classroom board, an adult whose vision affects their ability to work, an older person for whom clear vision can mean greater independence… This is where the importance of this launch becomes clear,” he said.
Traditional outreach programmes can, however, leave a gap between diagnosing a patient and providing the spectacles they need.
The new mobile clinic has a spectacle-cutting laboratory, allowing lenses to be edged and glazed on site, so patients can potentially have their eyes examined, receive a prescription and have their spectacles made and dispensed during the same outreach visit.
Mpedi said it would change how UJ reached patients.
“The UJ-SAMCT Mobile Optometry Clinic changes the geography of that relationship. Instead of waiting for the patient to come to the university, the university can go to the patient. Access to healthcare shouldn’t be determined simply by where a person lives, or by the resources available to them.”
SAMCT trustee Shabir Chohan proposed that the model be replicated nationally and expanded into other areas of community development. The trust said it would explore partnerships with other faculties and donors to expand the initiative.
TimesLIVE article – UJ takes eye care on the road with R2.5m mobile clinic (Restricted access)
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