For Rose Nkabinde, walking safely through her neighbourhood had become increasingly difficult because of poor eyesight.
The Orlando East pensioner said her impaired vision made it difficult to see potential hazards while walking, leaving her increasingly concerned about her safety.
But receiving a free pair of reading glasses on Tuesday has given her renewed confidence and relief. “I am so thankful for this help because these are some of the things we needed but couldn’t afford,” Nkabinde said.
“These glasses will help me stay safe when I walk in the streets, as I will now be able to see potential hazards and watch where I am going,” she said, pointing to recent incidents involving the killing of women in Ekurhuleni.
Nkabinde was among 150 pensioners in Orlando East, Soweto, who received free eye tests and reading glasses through a collaborative initiative aimed at improving access to basic eye care for older residents.
The Office of the MMC for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg partnered with Gift of the Givers, Restoring Vision and the Seth Mazibuko Foundation to provide the services.
The initiative was designed to assist vulnerable residents who may struggle to afford basic eye care and reading glasses.
MMC for Community Development Thapelo Amad said partnerships between government and civil society organisations were important in addressing the needs of older residents.
“This initiative demonstrates the importance of collaboration between the public sector, civil society and community-based organisations in responding to the needs of residents,” Amad said.
He said restoring sight could help older residents read, participate in public life and maintain their independence.
For many beneficiaries, the glasses offered immediate relief from the difficulties associated with poor vision. One of the beneficiaries, said being able to see clearly again would make everyday activities easier.
“I can finally read properly again without straining,” he said. He added that the glasses would also help him read the ballot paper clearly when he votes.
The initiative highlights the importance of access to affordable eye care for older people, particularly those who may not have the means to pay for eye tests and reading glasses.
For Nkabinde and other beneficiaries, the simple gift of a pair of glasses could mean greater confidence, safer movement around their communities and greater independence in their daily lives.
