The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the South African Muslim Charitable Trust have launched a R2.5 million mobile optometry clinic. The vehicle is equipped with equipment for comprehensive eye examinations and eye-health assessments, as well as a laboratory for cutting and fitting spectacle lenses. This allows patients to be examined, receive a prescription, and collect their spectacles during the same outreach visit. The clinic's first community deployment is planned for Cosmo City in October.
The mobile clinic will also be used to train UJ optometry students outside the university's campuses. According to UJ, the teaching component will expose students to the practical difficulties communities face in accessing healthcare while developing their clinical skills. The launch and demonstration took place on September 28, where UJ highlighted the cost of repeated journeys to receive treatment. Travelling back to collect spectacles can add transport costs and take patients away from work or school.
UJ Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi said that bringing university services to patients would help address access barriers. The new vehicle builds on the optometry department's existing outreach work, which held 53 outreach initiatives during 2025. These initiatives examined about 5,520 patients and provided 1,038 pairs of spectacles free of charge. However, the earlier model could leave a delay between an examination in a community and the subsequent manufacture and delivery of spectacles elsewhere.
The clinic's planned Cosmo City visit will coincide with World Sight Day. SAMCT trustee Shabir Chohan proposed expanding the model nationally. The trust said it would explore partnerships with other faculties and donors to develop the initiative further. This expansion could increase access to eye care services for more communities.
The mobile clinic is a significant development in the provision of eye care services in South Africa. With its ability to provide comprehensive eye examinations and spectacles on site, it has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of many people. The partnership between UJ and the South African Muslim Charitable Trust is a model for collaboration between academia and charitable organizations.
The University of Johannesburg's optometry department has a strong track record of outreach work. In 2025, the department held 53 outreach initiatives, examining over 5,500 patients and providing over 1,000 pairs of spectacles. The mobile clinic will enable the department to build on this work and increase its reach.
The launch of the mobile clinic is a significant step forward in increasing access to eye care services in South Africa. Key initiatives include providing comprehensive eye examinations and spectacles on site, training optometry students, and exploring partnerships with other faculties and donors.
Key points
- University of Johannesburg and South African Muslim Charitable Trust launch R2.5m mobile optometry clinic.
- Clinic provides comprehensive eye examinations and spectacles on site.
- Initiative aims to increase access to eye care services for communities.
