World Sight Month Initiative Brings Free Eye Health Services to Underserved Elderly People of Marlboro and Alexandra

In celebration of World Sight Month, the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), Bombela Concession Company (BCC), African Eye Institute (AEI), University of Johannesburg (UJ), and the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) joined forces to bring free, high-quality eye care services to elderly residents of Marlboro, Alexandra, and surrounding townships, every weekend in October 2025.

This collaborative initiative — hosted at the Gautrain Marlboro Station — reflects the partners’ shared mission to improve access to essential eye health services and prevent avoidable blindness. The event formed part of a month-long series of activities highlighting the importance of regular vision checks and early intervention, especially among vulnerable and underserved groups.

Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates that more than one billion people live with preventable or untreated vision impairment, often due to limited access to affordable care. Addressing eye health early has a transformative impact — enabling people to read, work, and live independently with confidence.

During the Marlboro Station outreach, over 1,200 elderly beneficiaries received comprehensive eye examinations, with 84% prescribed spectacles to improve their vision and quality of life. In addition, health screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, and HIV were conducted — recognising the direct link between these systemic conditions and eye health. Participants requiring advanced care were referred to Gauteng Department of Health facilities for further assessment and treatment.

“This initiative exemplifies the African Eye Institute’s unwavering commitment to reaching those most in need,” said Prof Khathutshelo Percy Mashige, Chairperson of the African Eye Institute. “Countless elderly individuals endure silent suffering due to vision loss, simply because they lack access to affordable eye tests and spectacles. By delivering essential eye care and health screenings directly to communities — particularly during World Sight Month and Transport Month — we are restoring not only sight, but also dignity, confidence, and independence. This is the true impact of collaboration: transforming lives through accessible, preventive, and compassionate eye health care.”

In line with this year’s World Sight Month theme — “Love Your Eyes at Work” — the partners encourage all South Africans to prioritise their vision health through regular eye examinations and by taking proactive steps to protect their sight.