EyeCare4Kids donates glasses to learners

Benoni High School (BHS) matriculant Rinae Tshikalaha often felt dizzy while studying, struggled to follow lessons, and found her teachers’ notes on the blackboard blurry due to poor eyesight.

Her learning was impeded, and with no means to correct her vision, she had to sit in the front row just to see the blackboard — putting her at a clear disadvantage.

However, the 17-year-old’s eyesight problems are now a thing of the past thanks to the NPO EyeCare4Kids Africa — which helps underprivileged children with poor vision — and local optician Yashika Bhana of Eye C U, who examined her eyes, while EyeCare4Kids provided spectacles.

She is one of three BHS pupils with poor eyesight who received vision assistance from EyeCare4Kids and Yashika.
Alongside Nonhle Mahlangu and Reitumetse Ratsela, Rinae was examined by Yashika at her practice in Northmead on May 30.

After the test, the optician prescribed lenses, and EyeCare4Kids provided both the frames and lenses.

“It will help me a lot. I no longer have to worry about my vision or feel dizzy while studying. I’m grateful to have something that helps my eyes,” said Rinae.

An American, Joseph Carbone, founded EyeCare4Kids in 2001 to provide professional eye care to low-income, visually impaired children and underserved families.

Benonian Miguel Gomes and Leon Pottas spearheaded its African operation, established last year.

Gomes, owner of the frames business Modern Optical, explained that their mission is to provide vision care to underprivileged children.

“Children who can’t see or struggle to read are often labelled as stupid and bullied. We’ve seen many families who either can’t afford glasses or don’t even realise their children have vision problems.

“We’re working to identify these children and help them get tested. We have lenses, a lab, and frames — and we work with local optometrists like Yashika. Together, we visit schools and help as many children as we can.”
Yashika said it meant a lot to her to be able to help the children.

“Teaming up with EyeCare4Kids has been a way to give back to the community and assist children who cannot afford glasses. On my side, when parents can’t afford glasses, we offer affordable packages to make eye care accessible,” said Bhana, who has been an optician for 25 years.

BHS counsellor Tamzyn Techow thanked EyeCare4Kids and Yashika for their help.

“This will be a life-changing initiative, not just for these children. We are excited to be the first school to be assisted. Let’s hope it’s the start of many positive things for these children,” she said.

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