Poor sight pensioners to receive free eye care

The Mercy Hand Foundation (MHF) has partnered with Optical Centre to conduct eye examinations and donate eyeglasses to pensioners in Moshupa, many of whom have to put up with poor eyesight because they cannot afford to buy spectacles.

The 34-year old founder of the MHF, Kabelo Rampe, made the announcement on Monday at the Moshupa kgotla.“Sight problems should not be ignored at any age, particularly on senior citizens. Generally, the earlier a medical diagnosis and treatment is made, the greater the chances of saving and recovering one’s vision, which contributes to overall health and happiness,” he said.

As an orphan who was raised by his grandmother, Rampe said he has always been aware of the struggles of the elderly when it comes to their eyesight. “Many are not able to read their Bibles and they especially struggle when they collect their pension at the post offices. This is just my little way of showing appreciation and trying to make life a little easier for them,” he explained.

The exercise will start off next week with 20 elderly men and women who will undergo eye examinations by an optician and will be given proper glasses suitable for them at the main kgotla.

According to Rampe, many residents in rural areas cannot afford to purchase eye glasses because of their low-income levels. “I can tell that glasses are in great demand and hopefully going forward we will make a difference in many of our grandparents’ lives. It’s the biggest blessing anyone can have,” he said.