At just seven years old, Syamthanda’s world was blurry—literally. Like many children at Sunnyvale Primary in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, she had never had an eye exam. She struggled in class, squinting to read her assignments, falling behind despite her bright mind. What she didn’t realize was that poor vision was holding her back from reaching her full potential. But, thanks to a grant from Optometry Giving Sight, Syamthanda is thriving in school and at home!
That all changed thanks to the One School at a Time Programme, made possible by a grant from Optometry Giving Sight to the African Eye Institute. For the first time, Syamthanda received an eye test, a moment filled with excitement and possibility. The results were clear—she needed eyeglasses. When she finally put them on, her world sharpened into focus. Suddenly, the words on the page were crisp, the classroom felt inviting, and her confidence soared.
Her teacher, Miss J. Pillay, immediately noticed the difference. No longer hesitant or withdrawn, Syamthanda participated enthusiastically, read confidently, and completed assignments with ease. The transformation extended beyond the classroom—at home, her parents beamed as they watched her eagerly read, a joy they had never seen before. Even her classmates admired her glasses, reinforcing her newfound sense of empowerment.
Yet for many families like Syamthanda’s, vision care is a luxury they simply can’t afford. That’s why funding programs like Optometry Giving Sight are critical. They ensure that access to basic healthcare, like eye exams and glasses, isn’t a privilege but a right—one that can change lives, one child and one school at a time.
Syamthanda’s journey is proof that a simple pair of glasses can unlock a lifetime of opportunity. And with continued support, countless other children will get the chance to see the world more clearly—and step boldly into their futures.