Despite South Africa having a significant number of trained optometrists, the majority work in the private sector, leaving rural communities underserved. In an article by Dr. Haseena Majid and Rene Sparks, a call is made to reconsider training programs that predominantly benefit the private sector.
Avoidable blindness affects over a billion people globally, with 11 million in South Africa suffering from vision loss. Optometrists play a vital role in managing eye conditions like refractive errors and cataracts. However, the current distribution of optometrists in South Africa is imbalanced, with a low number serving the public sector.
The article highlights the need for improved governance, resource allocation, and training alignment to address disparities in eye care access. Recommendations include establishing an eye health directorate, fostering public-private partnerships, and integrating optometrists into the primary healthcare system.
Majid and Sparks advocate for urgent action to ensure equitable access to eye health services in South Africa. This article was published by Spotlight – health journalism in the public interest.
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