In December 2024, Diane van Dam very kindly agreed to screen some children at the Community Outreach Centre (COC), one of the KidZAid beneficiaries. Diane is an Orthoptist, one who diagnoses and treats those with eye muscle problems ( weaknesses and squints).
She tested the children’s eyesight using the Snellens test chart and for those who battled with the letters / language, used a card so they could point to the letters. She checked their eye muscle movement for any imbalance or limited movement, and also observed whether they used both eyes together to indicate if there was a squint present. Those who have a squint or have very poor vision in one eye will have poor or no depth perception. Of those tested there were a few that had poor eyesight and eyes that squinted.
Thulani, the COC Manager took those who needed treatment to McCords hospital, for referral to the Eye Clinic, or to the clinic that specialises in squints. A child who squints needs to be seen to as early as possible . If only one eye is being used the child’s eyesight will deteriorate in the eye that is not being used! Glasses may be necessary and possible patching of the good eye for a few hours a day.
The earlier an eye problem is picked up the better. Teachers can be made aware and look out for indications, such as a child narrowing the eyes to see the board, rubbing and blinking the eyes when reading, bringing a book too close to the eyes, closing one eye to read, and one eye turning inwards or outwards (squinting)
The good news is that one little chap has already been assessed at the hospital and was given glasses. Our sincere thanks to Di van Dam for volunteering to assess these children and facilitate the eye care they need.
