23/03/2026
For World Optometry Day today, we feature a leading experts voice: Professor Nabeela Gany from the Department of Optometry, UJ. Read about her experience in this fascinating post: 👁️
What made you choose to become an optometrist?
I was drawn to optometry because it combines healthcare, technology, and meaningful patient impact. Vision is something we often take for granted, yet restoring or improving it can completely change someone’s quality of life. What I enjoy most is that immediate impact, especially when working with underserved communities where a pair of spectacles can be life changing.
Many of us spend a lot of time on phones, how is screen time affecting eyes?
Increased screen time is leading to digital eye strain—symptoms like dryness, headaches, blurred vision, and fatigue. We blink less when using devices, which worsens dryness. A simple strategy is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Ensure proper lighting, screen positioning, and limit screen exposure, especially before bedtime.
What are the early signs of vision problems people shouldn’t ignore?
Frequent headaches, squinting, blurred vision, eye strain, or difficulty seeing at night are common warning signs. In children, watch for signs such as sitting too close to screens, poor school performance, or a loss of interest in reading. These signs are often subtle but important.
How often should one get their eyes checked?
For most people, every 1–2 years is recommended. However, children, individuals with existing eye conditions, or those with systemic diseases like diabetes should be examined more frequently. Regular eye exams are not just about vision—they can detect early signs of systemic health issues too.
What’s a common myth about eye health?
A common myth is: “If you can see clearly, your eyes are healthy.” In reality, many eye conditions—like glaucoma—develop silently without early symptoms. That’s why routine eye examinations are essential, even if you think your vision is fine.
At the University of Johannesburg and the African Eye Institute, we’re committed to training future-ready optometrists & delivering impactful community eye care.
