Recognising that 75 percent of the world’s vision impairment is preventable, the global focus is on encouraging people to get their eyes screened. Ster-Kinekor’s Vision Mission initiative aims to provide preventative care and treatment to people who would not otherwise have access to this critical service.
Due to the nature of Albinism’s genetic make-up and because melanin also plays a role in development of the optic nerves, people with albinism, more often than not, have vision problems.
International Albinism Awareness Day is observed every year on 13th June to honour the human rights of people with albinism all over the world. Albinism is a genetically inherited birth defect that is rare and non-contagious.
Kasie Albinism Foundation, which was founded in 2018 with the goal of advocating for service delivery to people with albinism, is collaborating with Ster- Kinekor’s flagship program, Vision Mission. The Ster-Kinekor Vision Mission, which was founded in 2005, continues to provide eye care to disadvantaged students, young adults, and the elderly. In pursuit of the ‘#GiftOfSight,’ the multi-award-winning initiative has enabled healthcare providers to screen over 358 521 disadvantaged learners, with approximately 30% of them receiving follow-up optometric testing. 15 827 People have received spectacles from this initiative thus far.
On the 2nd and 23rd April 2022, Ster Kinekor’s Vision Mission and Kasie Albinism Foundation invited communities from near and far for people living with albinism to join them for a free screening, and 46 individuals between the ages of four and 57 were identified as recipients of free spectacles as a result of the screening.
“People with albinism face daily challenges related to academic, social, and emotional concerns,” said Geraldine Engelman, CSI and Transformation, Ster-Kinekor. According to Freeman of the Kasie Albinism Foundation, the collaboration and work with Ster Kinekor “has so far been the most significant project we have embarked on as an organisation.” This collaboration will help us provide spectacles to those in need in our communities, as vision problems are one of the most difficult challenges for people with albinism. “This will have a significant impact on our albinism community because it will reduce the number of school dropouts due to kids being bullied at school because they can’t see properly,” he added.
Carnival City, one of the sponsors, promises to keep the whole family smiling with the biggest selection of family friendly activities including performers and some magic. As Sun International we support various CSI programmes and it is an honor for us to partner with Ster-Kinekor. We are excited to be a part of this memorable day where the people with albinism get to experience the magic of cinema” said Annemie Turk, Carnival City General Manager.
“Spur is surrounded by very supportive communities, and we are part of it. We aim to give back in return as part of our social responsibility” says Cornelius Mutasa, Restaurant Manager, Carnival City, another sponsor for the event.
Customers of Ster-Kinekor are encouraged to add R2.50 or more to their movie ticket purchases to support Vision Mission.
Click here for more information of Ster Kinekor Vision Mission.
