Improving Vision and Empowering Futures – The University of Johannesburg Optometry Department’s Partnership with Camp Sizanani
Submitted by
University of Johannesburg
Summary of the Impact:
Since 2023, the Department of Optometry at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has proudly partnered with Camp Sizanani, a dedicated non-profit organisation empowering orphaned, vulnerable, and at-risk youth in South Africa. Through this inspiring collaboration, the Department has offered comprehensive vision screenings, vital eye health education, and free eyeglasses to children and adolescents involved in Camp Sizanani’s transformative programs in Johannesburg and its surrounding areas.
As of August 2025, UJ Optometry has made remarkable strides:
- Screened 563 children aged 6 to 18 years.
- Provided 220 pairs of spectacles.
- Enhanced educational outcomes, quality of life, and psychosocial well-being for children from
marginalized backgrounds.
This initiative not only combats avoidable blindness and uncorrected refractive errors but also champions equitable access to healthcare, aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). This embodies UJ’s mission to cultivate graduates and academic work that create a meaningful societal impact.