Hout Bay pupils benefit from vision testing project

The Rotary Club of Hout Bay have been working around the clock to ensure that pupils have better vision at school.

In January, the club rolled out the Hout Bay Vision Testing project where at five of the Hout Bay Primary Schools, 1406 children were screened. During this process, it was found that 320 pupils required glasses.

The club's Carolyn Herrick said of the 320 pupils, eight needed eye drops for infections.

"Screening was done for the full classes of Grade 1, 5 and 7 plus those who had previously received specs," Ms Herricks said, adding that spectacles had been delivered to three schools in March and two in April.

Vision Testing for high school pupils also subsequently took place at three Hout Bay High Schools, where 672 pupils were screened. Of the 672 pupils, 206 needed glasses.

"In total, 2078 pupils were screened and 526 pairs of spectacles were dispensed. We continue to see a high need for spectacles at all schools although overall, it has leveled off and we are not seeing the huge increases experienced over the last two to three years," Ms Herrick said.

Nomandla Thandazwa said her two grandchildren were part of the group of pupils who received specs and said it was a life-changer.

Ms Thandazwa has been taking care of her two grandchildren for the last 12 years after her daughter died and her son-in-law disappeared.

"It was a difficult time for their father and he could not handle the pressure. So one day, he just left them in my care and never came back. Their story is not unique as there are so many other kids who suffer worse situations," she said.

"I was just happy they could be blessed with having better eye-sight to learn."

She said that she was aware that her granddaughter was in need, but was grateful to learn that her grandson also needed glasses.

"She struggled to read or see things that were far and that is how I always knew, but never had the money to take her or get her specs. My grandson surprised, but I am happy they could pick up something and then help him too, because if they struggle to see, they will struggle to learn," Ms Thandazwa said.

Ms Herrick said  at anotherr local school 18% of the pupils tested were Grade 1 pupils in need of spectacles.

"A particular concern is the usually high level of need seen in Grade 1," adding that about 6% of Grade 1s need glasses.

During last year's project, Disa Primary School was a concern after recording nearly 40% in need, but this year, thanks to to the many sponsors and supporters, the project managed to bring back the number down to 32%.

"Learners who had previously received spectacles but refuse to wear them were not given new specs as our hope is that they will eventually realise the value of being able to see in the classroom and request a new pair next year," Ms Herrick said.

She said the children "truly need our help as children who cannot see, cannot learn."

With this programme, she said, the club was investing in improving the education of children in Hout Bay.