200 Gauteng learners receive free eye screenings and glasses

Clear vision for a brighter future! Today, learners participated in on-site eye screenings to help ensure nothing stands in the way of their learning at Bokgoni Secondary School in Atteridgeville.

A two-day health initiative at Bokgoni Secondary School in Gauteng province provided 200 Atteridgeville learners with free eye screenings on August 27–28, 2026, targeting clear vision as a cornerstone for academic success.

The initiative was implemented by the Gautrain Management Agency’s (GMA) Social Investment Programme in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and the African Eye Institute.

It aims to identify vision problems and ensure that learners who require corrective eyewear receive the support they need to participate fully in the classroom and reach their academic potential.

It brought professional eye-health services directly to the school, allowing learners to be screened in their learning environment and referred for further assessment where required.

Learners identified as needing corrective eyewear will receive spectacles at no cost.

Kedibone Diale-Tlabela,Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport said that the initiative is about addressing practical challenges that can prevent learners from participating fully in the classroom.

Diable-Tlabela said: “We recognise that access to quality education is closely linked to the wellbeing of our learners. A learner who cannot see clearly is at an immediate disadvantage in the classroom.”

“Through this partnership, we are taking eye health services directly to schools and ensuring that learners who require corrective eyewear are not held back by a challenge that can be addressed,” she added.

Diale-Tlabela said that by launching at Bokgoni Secondary School and scaling the initiative to three additional Gauteng schools, they are making an investment that extends beyond learners' health to foster their confidence, participation and academic success.

A closer look, fitting a learner with a trial frame during today's vision screening to ensure their prescription is precise.

Following the intervention at Bokgoni Secondary School, a further three schools will be identified to receive eye screenings, referrals and corrective eyewear where required.

The African Eye Institute will provide qualified optometrists, screening and diagnostic equipment, technical expertise and support in the manufacture of spectacles.

Prof. Percy Mashige, Chairman of the African Eye Institute, said the organisation was proud to contribute its expertise to the initiative and help bring essential eye health services to learners at Bokgoni Secondary School.