Enabling children with visual impairments

Nadia Greeff Oculus Vision Centre is the first low vision centre in Namibia, opened and operated by Michelle Opperman and Chantal Overvliet. Low vision is vision that cannot be corrected fully by means of an operation, glasses, medication or contact lenses.The mission and passion of Oculus Vision Centre is to use cutting edge tools, including the latest technology and training, to help visually impaired patients take back their independence and live a full life. They believe that vision impairment should not mean social impairment. In 2017, when Oculus Vision Centre first opened its doors, they identified the School for The Visually Impaired as their main social responsibility beneficiary. As part of this initiative, Oculus has spent 264 hours on the low vision evaluations for the learners, with a total of 132 learners having been evaluated – free of charge. With all learners evaluated, Oculus was on a mission to further help these learners gain their independence by presenting them with low vision devices. But these devices come at a price. Which is why Oculus reached out to local businesses with the hope to receive sponsorship. Namdia stepped up and pledged to fund the grade nine learners and the prevocational group.Namdia has funded 17 pairs of glasses, 14 mounted telescopes and eight other appropriate devices depending on the visual need, with prices ranging between N$600 and N$25 000 per device. These devices will change the way these learners are able to learn, improving their vision by up to 60%.On 18 February, Oculus Low Vision Centre, together with Namdia, handed over these devices to the learners at the School for The Visually Impaired.Since these devices make such a big difference to their vision, Oculus is currently providing training to the children on how to effectively use the devices.The hope is that these devices will aid the children in their learning environment, enable them to reach their full potential and motivate them to realise their dreams. But more help is needed. In 2020, Oculus Vision Centre’s aim is to secure sponsorships for the grade eight and grade 10 learners. Oculus has further dedicated themselves to evaluate the new grade one learners and all the new learners joining the school on an ongoing yearly basis. If you as an individual or a company want to be part of changing the lives of these learners, contact Opperman at 083 331 8150.

Enabling children with visual impairments

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Republikein 2025-09-19

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Enabling children with visual impairments

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Republikein 2025-09-19

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