One million people treated in South Africa programme
8 July 2011
Our millionth patient has just received eye care through the ‘Giving sight to KwaZulu-Natal’ programme.
Since 2007, we’ve been working with our partners International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE), KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and Optometry of Sight, to utilise existing health care in the Kwa|ulu-Natal province to give people access to eye care services.
Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, Province Minister of Health stressed the importance of this programme: “Without an eye examination and the right treatment or correction, individuals and their families are more likely to fall out of employment or education. The obvious cost is not just to the family, but further, to the community where lack of education and employment then creates the downward spiral to economic instability.”
Paving the way for millions more
The need for eye care in communities within the Kwa|ulu-Natal province is still great. This programme now has the foundations to continue to reach millions more people in need of treatment.
Global Programme Director for ICEE, Professor Kovin Naidoo said: “I’m pleased to announce that today, KZN has 127 eye clinics in public facilities, 55 sites have more equipment and Primary Health Care nurses, Ophthalmic nurses and Optometrists have been employed or trained to take on the new demand for services.”
Read more on the KwaZulu- Natal programme.
If you would like to help to restore someone’s eyesight, please donate.
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