Alberton Lions Club and UJ students offer free eye tests to community
Alberton Lions Club and University of Johannesburg (UJ) students offered free eye tests to the Alberton community
On August 16, 16 final-year UJ optometry students, in partnership with 15 dedicated members of the Lions Club, visited Ligstad on Van Riebeeck Avenue to provide free eye tests to local residents.
The outreach event saw 78 community members receive professional eye tests, while 64 individuals underwent diabetes testing, furthering the initiative’s aim to promote overall health and wellness. Attendees were also treated to juice, tea and coffee.
Preparations for the day began earlier in the week, with Lions Club members gathering on August 13 to sort and organise eyeglass frames to be used during the event.
This community service project was made possible through Lions BrightSight, a Multiple District 410 initiative that focuses on providing essential eye care to underserved communities.
Through this programme, prescription glasses are offered at a subsidised rate, while standard reading glasses are distributed free of charge.
“This is about dignity and independence,” said Sandy Kings, vision chairperson for Alberton Lions. “We are grateful for the collaboration with UJ students and proud to be part of a project that changes lives, one pair of glasses at a time.”
For many recipients, the day marked a crucial first step towards improved health and quality of life, once again demonstrating the powerful impact of community and service.
