UKZN students need optometry equipment

OPTOMETRY students at the University of Kwazulu-natal who do not have the equipment required to master basic clinical techniques are struggling.

Completing the four-year honours degree has become an uphill battle for them without the optometry learning materials not covered by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

The Student Representative Council (SRC) together with the optometry discipline have now appealed to those with the financial muscle to come to their rescue.

There were about 300 registered optometry students and of these almost 40% required assistance to purchase equipment. The most necessary items included a trial case, trial frame, pd rule, penlight, occluder, ret/oscope kit, RGP contact lens set, prism bar and a distance visual acuity chart for each student. The combined cost of the items per student was about R30 000.

Dr Naima Ebrahim Khan, academic leader and lecturer within the discipline of optometry, said the equipment was used throughout the duration of study and after the students graduated and became optometrists. She said the equipment was an investment and essential tools of the trade.

“There is an ongoing struggle with equipment. Each student is required to have their own set. The department has purchased a few sets which are available on loan to those students who cannot afford to get their own, but now with the increase in student numbers this is not enough.

“We are seeking assistance for students across all levels of study, but particularly those in second year because that is when most of the basic clinical techniques are taught,” Khan said.

A fund-raiser to assist the students has been launched and all university stakeholders, donors, businesses and NGOS have been asked to contribute.

College of Health Sciences SRC representative Siphesihle Mhlongo said those without the required tools battled when they reached second year.

“As the SRC, we have decided to assist other students and we need money or old equipment from our alumni, and all donations will go to the UKZN Foundation,” he said.

They hope to raise enough funds to purchase equipment for at least 100 students, who would then loan the sets. The equipment would remain the property of the university.

“Students from poor backgrounds are the most affected. We are pleading with anyone who has the ability to assist to come through for us,” he said.

Cash donations can be made through the UKZN Foundation and donors who qualify and meet the criteria will receive a tax benefit.