Arwyp offers free eye screenings to mark World Retina Day

Arwyp Medical Centre provided free eye screenings to 20 people on October 2, in partnership with ophthalmologist Dr Priscilla Mokhethe, to mark World Retina Day observed in September.

Arwyp said the initiative aimed to raise awareness of eye health and encourage early detection and prevention of visual impairment.

The hospital said healthcare extends beyond its walls and that initiatives like this let it give back to the community that supports it, which is central to its identity.

Mokhethe said she was motivated because many people need eye care but can’t access regular screenings due to cost, distance, or limited awareness.

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As an ophthalmologist, she believes eye health is part of overall health and communities deserve the chance to catch problems early, when treatment is most effective.

Free screenings also build trust and encourage people to act before their vision is affected.

According to Mokhethe, early screening matters because many eye conditions develop quietly without pain or obvious initial symptoms. Early detection can prevent progression and reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Regular checks also help identify issues such as refractive errors, cataract risk, glaucoma risk, and diabetic eye complications at a stage where outcomes are far better. In short, early detection protects vision and preserves independence, especially as people get older.

During the screening, Mokhethe shared that staff commonly encountered refractive errors, where patients needed glasses for clarity, as well as dry eye symptoms and irritation, especially among individuals who spend long hours on screens or in dry environments.

Other common findings included cataracts, particularly among older participants, possible glaucoma risk indicators requiring further assessment, and diabetes-related eye concerns, especially in individuals who reported having diabetes or being at risk.
Mokhethe said that while not everyone had the same condition, many were unaware something was wrong until they had their vision tested.

Mokhethe added that the community response was encouraging, noting that people were attentive, respectful, and grateful for the chance to have their eyes checked.

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Many arrived with real concerns, and some were relieved to learn their eyes were fine, while others felt encouraged that there is a path forward if treatment or further tests are needed.

For her, the initiative mattered because it makes eye health accessible, allowing patients to get screened, understand their results, and receive guidance or referrals.

Mokhethe advised people not to wait for symptoms before checking their eyes, noting that eye diseases can still develop even when vision feels acceptable.

The ophthalmologist encouraged everyone to book regular eye tests, especially those over 40, and to get tested sooner if risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure are present. She also recommended wearing appropriate eye protection, such as sunglasses and safety gear where appropriate, and prioritising healthy habits, good nutrition, and managing chronic conditions to reduce eye strain.

Crucially, if people notice changes such as blurred vision, eye pain, frequent headaches, double vision, or sudden new floaters or vision loss, they should seek care promptly.

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Daphane Kasalu, one of the 20 people who received a free eye test, said her experience was great and thanked Arwyp Medical Centre.

“I needed to get my eyes tested and heard that Arwyp Medical Centre was doing a free screening, so I decided to register and get them done,” Kasalu said.

“This wasn’t my first eye test and today’s experience was quick, very friendly, and it was an easy process to get everything done.”