African Eye Institute, 17 Hutchinson Road, Umbilo, Durban (2026)

08/10/2026

👁️ October is a month to prioritise our eyes & make eye health our focus. Today, 8 October, is World Sight Day 2026!
This year’s campaign places people, their lived experiences & community action at the heart of eye health. The message is simple but powerful: every story counts, because behind every statistic is a person whose vision affects how they learn, work, connect with others and experience life.
Throughout this month, we need to remember to look after our eyes. At AEI our goal is to make quality eye care accessible and available. Our One School at a Time programmes are underway and the focus this month is elderly eye care.
Our vision plays a vital role in how we learn, work, connect and experience life. Yet, the World Health Organization data suggests, at least 2.2 billion people globally have near or distance vision impairment, and at least 1 billion of these cases could have been prevented or are yet to be addressed.
For children, protecting healthy vision starts early.
Myopia (short-sightedness) is on the rise in children. Simple everyday habits include:
* Spend more time outdoors in natural daylight
* Encourage regular breaks from screens & use the 20-20-20 rule
* Ensure good lighting and good posture when reading, studying or using screens
* Arrange regular vision checks

For adults and older adults, eye health is part of overall health.
✔️Have regular eye examinations and monitor blood pressure & blood sugar
✔️ Manage conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
✔️ Seek professional advice if you notice changes in your vision
We are delighted to share one of our key programmes of work this month will take place on 17th of October when we are providing the screening of the elderly in collaboration with the Bonela Residents Association located in Bonela, Durban
Myopia ChildrensEyeHealth EyeCare VisionForAll WorldSightDay2026 EyeHealthMonth
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07/10/2026

We are thrilled to share our official congratulations which goes out to one of our key service delivery partners – the University of Johannesburg’s Optometry Department, as they have a brand-new mobile eye clinic as of 28th September 2026.

Congratulations on the launch of your brand-new mobile optical lab! 🎉
A fantastic achievement and a true reflection of the commitment to innovation and exceptional service. We envisage the mobile lab will be loved and appreciated by optometrists because it brings convenience, quality, and expertise directly where it’s needed. Students will be able to visit remote areas to complete eye examinations and screenings to then dispense spectacles almost immediately.

This is a brilliant success story and acknowledge the clinic was sponsored by The South African Muslim Charitable Trust.
Wishing everyone involved a continued success and many more milestones ahead. Here’s to an exciting new chapter!

EyeCare OpticalProfessionals Optometrists InnovationInHealthcare ServiceExcellence Partnership HealthcareInnovation VisionCare NewBeginnings celebrateSuccess

For more information about us click here https://lnkd.in/dV-NaJUp and donate now to help those in need who are blind or visually impaired https://lnkd.in/dnNXYDpZ

20/08/2026

Earlier this year we shared the good news about winning a place on an international exchange programme funded by Norec , the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation.

By means of a reminder, this is about a programme that is for early-career professionals from Malawi, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Norway with all partners as host countries facilitating in-country exchanges and project delivery.
The project aims to foster professional growth, cross-cultural learning, ideas exchange, new ways of working together, and the development of the optometry profession, while strengthening our outreach work.

This is an exciting update because two of our exchange participants headed off to Kenya on Saturday 15 August for a packed week of learning with topics such as Artificial Intelligence; Project Management and professional roles and responsibilities.

Pictured here from left to right is Xoliswa Hlabisa ; Logan Naina from African Eye Institute and Samkele Shange, professional Masters qualified administrator. There will be more to come when we talk to them midway through this brilliant exchange programme.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

VisionCare Inclusion DiversityAndInclusion Healthcare Accessibility CommunityHealth

For more information about us click here https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/ For more information about us click here https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/ and to donate any amount kindly use this link to help those in need who are blind or visually impaired https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/donate

07/08/2026

Your eyes may be at risk even if they feel fine. Age, family history and chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure increase the risk of glaucoma. Because it is painless in the early stages, testing is key. Take action early and make eye checks part of your health routine.

23/07/2026

« What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others. » – Nelson Mandela.
As we celebrate Mandela Month, we honour Nelson Mandela’s birthday on 18 July by living his legacy of service. The 67 minutes represent the 67 years he dedicated to advancing justice, equality, and human dignity. This year let’s go beyond 67 minutes.
Complete your 67 hours of community service over the coming months and, if you’re passionate about restoring sight and transforming lives, please consider making a donation to the African Eye Institute to provide spectacles for school-going children in need, because the gift of sight opens doors to education, independence, opportunity, and hope.
Every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to create meaningful change.
Together, we can continue Madiba’s legacy—one act of service, one hour, one Rand and one life at a time.
We invite our sponsors, partners, clients, and community to join us in making every minute—and every rand—count. How will you make your R67 count? Please consider donating now !
CommunityService Ubuntu MakeADifference CommunityFirst EyeHealthAwareness onesightessilorluxotticafoundation coopervision optometrygivingsight
For more information about us click here https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/ and donate just R67 to help those in need who are blind or visually impaired by clicking here https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/donate/

30/06/2026

DeafBlind Awareness Week 💙💚
DeafBlind Awareness Week is observed this week, commemorating the birthday of Helen Keller on 27 June.
Helen Keller (1880–1968) became deafblind after an illness at just 19 months old. With the support of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, she learned to communicate through tactile sign language, Braille, speech, and writing. She became the first deafblind person to earn a university degree and dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
What is deafblindness?
Deafblindness, also known as a dual sensory disability, is a combined loss of hearing and vision that significantly affects communication, access to information, mobility, and everyday activities.
What causes deafblindness?
🧬 Congenital or genetic conditions, such as Usher syndrome or CHARGE syndrome.
🩺 Illnesses, infections, injuries, neurological conditions, or age-related hearing and vision loss.
This DeafBlind Awareness Week, let’s celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of the deafblind community while promoting greater understanding, accessibility, and inclusion.
💙 Awareness creates understanding.
💚 Understanding creates inclusion.
AEI partners with CooperVision, Optometry Giving Sight, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, and Berkeley Vision.
For more information about us click here https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/ Click here to make a monetary contribution and donate now to help more blind and partially sighted people https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/donate/

20/06/2026

👁️ June 20 is Nystagmus Awareness Day
Nystagmus is an eye condition that causes the eyes to move involuntarily, making it harder to focus and see clearly.
Did you know?
• Nystagmus can affect people of any age, ethnicity, or background.
• It is often present at birth or develops in early childhood.
• Early diagnosis and support can help improve learning, independence, and quality of life.
Signs to look out for:
• Eyes that move quickly or repeatedly without control.
• Difficulty focusing on objects.
• Head tilting or turning to find a clearer view.
How you can help:
• Learn more about nystagmus and its impact: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22064-nystagmus
• Encourage regular eye examinations.
• Support inclusive and accessible environments.
Together, we can improve understanding and support for people living with nystagmus.
Let’s celebrate people with nystagmus while also advocating for greater awareness, accessibility, and equitable eye care for all.
Inclusion
AEI partners with CooperVision, Optometry Giving Sight, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, and Berkeley Vision.
For more information about us click here https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/ and donate now to help those in need who are blind or visually impaired https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/donate/

17/06/2026

As highlighted in our previous post, June is Cataract Awareness Month 👁️. That’s why our free school eye tests are so important—early detection and regular eye checks can make a lasting difference to children’s vision and overall eye health., we are conducting free eye screening tests at schools to help identify vision problems early and promote eye health among students.
Regular eye examinations can help detect vision problems and eye conditions early, often before symptoms become noticeable. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment, better learning outcomes for children, and long-term protection of eye health. By providing free eye tests in schools, we are helping to ensure that every child has the opportunity to see clearly and reach their full potential. We encourage parents, teachers, and students to participate in this important initiative and help spread awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups.
In line with this, we visited the following schools to provide free eye tests. Based on the test results, they will receive their custom-made spectacles in a months’ time. Our national flagship programme called ‘One School at a Time’ saw us fully focused on service delivery at these schools:
KwaZulu-Natal
2, 3 June - Christianenburg Primary School, Clermont
8, 9, 10 June – Sunford Primary School, Phoenix.
Gauteng
9, 10 June - F.F. Ribeiro Primary School, Mamelodi, Pretoria.
The One School at a Time programme is proudly supported by CooperVision, Optometry Giving Sight, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, and Berkeley Vision.
Kindly use the like and follow button to continue to stay in the loop and be part of our journey to brighter, clearer futures.

For more information about us click here https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/ and donate now to help those in need who are blind or visually impaired https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/donate/

13/06/2026

World Albinism Day: Seeing Beyond Differences
Today, on World Albinism Day, we celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and raise awareness about a condition that is often misunderstood.
Albinism is a genetic condition that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for coloring the skin, hair, and eyes. While many people recognize the visible characteristics of albinism, fewer are aware that most individuals with albinism also experience vision challenges such as reduced vision, sensitivity to light, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), and difficulties with depth perception.
This makes access to quality eye care especially important. Regular eye examinations, appropriate corrective lenses, low-vision support, UV protection, and early intervention can significantly improve quality of life, learning outcomes, and independence.
Awareness begins with understanding. Inclusion begins with empathy. And better eye health begins with access to care. We at the African Eye Institute understand this and have recently donated 300 pairs of sunglasses to the KwaZulu-Natal branch of the Albinism Society of South Africa.
Let’s celebrate people with albinism while also advocating for greater awareness, accessibility, and equitable eye care for all.
DiversityAndInclusion Healthcare Accessibility CommunityHealth
AEI partners with CooperVision, Optometry Giving Sight, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, and Berkeley Vision.
For more information about us click here https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/ and donate now to help those in need who are blind or visually impaired https://africaneyeinstitute.org.za/donate/

09/06/2026

June Cataract Awareness Month

Cloudy vision isn’t simply a sign of ageing—it may indicate a cataract. As a leading cause of reversible vision loss worldwide, cataracts can progressively interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognising faces if left untreated.

June is Cataract Awareness Month, learn the signs, understand the risks, and prioritise regular eye examinations to protect your vision.

Here are 3 Common Symptoms worth noting:
- Progressive blurred or cloudy vision
- Increased glare sensitivity, mainly at night
- Difficulty seeing objects clearly when colours or shades are similar and poor night vision

If Left Untreated, Cataracts May Lead To:
- Vision loss
- Difficulty carrying out everyday activities independently
- Increased risk of falls or car accidents
- Severe visual impairment in advanced cases

✅ How to reduce risk:
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses
- Stop smoking
- Maintain optimal glycaemic control if diabetic
- Consume an antioxidant-rich diet
- Schedule regular comprehensive eye examinations

Early detection. Timely treatment. Better visual outcomes.

Optometry PreventBlindness HealthyVision EyeAwareness JuneAwareness

AEI partners with CooperVision, Optometry Giving Sight, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, and Berkeley Vision.

For more information about us click here https://lnkd.in/dV-NaJUp and donate now to help those in need who are blind or visually impaired https://lnkd.in/dnNXYDpZ

African Eye Institute

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