Gauteng Health Takes Sight-Saving Services Directly to Communities
PRETORIA – In a concerted effort to curb preventable blindness and tackle the silent progression of diabetic complications, the Gauteng Department of Health has launched an intensive community outreach campaign targeting some of the province’s most remote areas.
Led by Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Faith Mazibuko, the “Siyabaphilisa” initiative recently brought comprehensive primary healthcare services directly to residents in Winterveld, north of Pretoria, and Tshepong in Sebokeng. The outreach comes as the department marks Eye Care Awareness Month, with a specific focus on “Loving the Eyes of High-Risk Communities.”
A primary pillar of the campaign is the aggressive screening for diabetic retinopathy, a debilitating complication of diabetes that damages the retina. MEC Mazibuko emphasized that the condition is particularly dangerous because it often develops without noticeable symptoms, meaning irreversible damage can occur before a patient even realizes their vision is at risk.
“Waiting until eyesight becomes blurred or begins to deteriorate can mean that the condition has already progressed,” Mazibuko warned during the outreach. “This is why regular eye examinations are essential for people living with diabetes, even when they believe their vision is normal.”
The turnout in Winterveld and Tshepong was significant, with a notable number of senior citizens queuing for eye screenings, vision tests, and the provision of new spectacles. The success of these pop-up clinics highlights a broader strategic shift within the Gauteng Department of Health: moving away from a facility-centric model toward proactive, community-based care.
Currently, the province has integrated eye health services into 305 clinics and six district hospitals. However, MEC Mazibuko acknowledged that for many in outlying areas, traveling to larger hospitals remains a significant barrier to care. To address this, the department is increasingly deploying mobile clinics and establishing dedicated “Health Posts” to bring specialized screening to the doorstep of the most vulnerable.
The outreach program is part of a multi-layered strategy that includes school-based screenings—prioritizing learners with disabilities—as well as specialized support for the elderly and citizens living with albinism. This approach aims to bridge the gap between initial diagnosis and long-term management, ensuring that patients are referred to appropriate care pathways before their conditions reach critical stages.
As the province prepares for World Sight Day, the message from the Department of Health is clear: protecting sight requires a partnership between government and the public. While the department is committed to expanding its footprint and equipping healthcare workers to detect conditions early, MEC Mazibuko urged residents to take personal responsibility for their well-being.
“Our responsibility as government is to make appropriate services accessible and strengthen our facilities,” Mazibuko said. “Communities, in turn, can help protect their health by attending screening appointments and managing chronic conditions proactively. Protecting sight starts before vision fades.”
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