Eighty percent of all blindness is preventable or at least treatable. Healthy eyesight determines our quality of life and everyday experiences whether it’s a child learning to read, a pedestrian crossing the road or a breadwinner working to put a meal on the table for their family.
St John – South Africa, well known internationally for first aid training and related services, has been providing high quality eye care to South Africans since 1951. They will be hosting photographic exhibitions in Durban, Simons Town, Stellenbosch and Johannesburg throughout 2019 to promote the work conducted in the field of eye care and the impact this work has had on the lives of everyday South Africans – people like you and me. Sight is a very personal and intimate experience for each individual and this is at the heart of the exhibition; the images showcase the individuals who benefit from the Eye Care services that St John offers and embodies its mottoes: “Pro Fide – Pro Utilitate Hominum” – For Faith – In the service of humanity.
Each individual selected and showcased at the exhibition has a personal story to tell. From dressmakers, truck drivers and construction workers to community leaders, these are the people that shape our lives, our communities; these are the people that St John South Africa serves. Included in the exhibition are the stories of the unsung heroes within St John; dedicated individuals who give their time as optometrists, receptionists, and bookkeepers. Men and women working towards a better vision, a grander vision, a 20/20 Vision.
The aim of the exhibition is to:
- To showcase how individual’s lives are changed when they have the gift of healthy eyesight
- To raise awareness about the eye care work of St John in local communities
- To highlight the importance of accessible, affordable, high-quality eye care
Who is St John – South Africa?
St John operates Eye Care Clinics across South Africa, providing professional eye testing and the dispensing of budget spectacles to members of the community who are unable to afford commercial rates. In addition, St John Eye Care Clinics diagnose cases where patients require corrective surgery, e.g. cataracts, and refer them to local eye hospitals for treatment. This screening process enables the hospitals to concentrate on their primary function of surgery. Optometrists who practice at St John Eye Care Clinics are also members of the South African Optometric Association.
How can you get involved?
Book your appointment at www.stjohn.org.za/eye-care/book-your-appointment/ or at any of our 12 eye clinics around South Africa. Attend our photographic events by emailing Chris Martin (chris.martin@stjohn.org.za) and Robyn Keet (robyn@innervoicecreative.com).
Durban
Durban Art Gallery from the 4th to the 30th of April
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-john-vision-2020-exhibition-durban-tickets-57790777772?aff=ebapi
Simons Town
The Studio Art Gallery from the 16th of May to the 3rd of June
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-john-vision-2020-exhibition-fish-hoeksimons-town-tickets-57791848976?aff=ebapi
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch University Museum from the 24th of July to the 30th of August
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-john-vision-2020-exhibition-stellenbosch-tickets-57968078082
Johannesburg
Johannesburg dates still to be confirmed.
If you would like more information about this event, please do not hesitate to contact Chris Martin on chris.martin@stjohn.org.za or Robyn Keet onrobyn@innervoicecreative.com