Optometrist FAQ

Tshemba is proud to offer a trusted, professional and deeply meaningful eye programme for Ophthalmologists and Optometrists. If you have any questions not answered in our FAQ, please join us for our next online information session or contact us today.

What is the typical duration of a volunteer placement?

There is flexibility in the duration of your placement. Volunteers may join for a short-term visit (e.g. a few days) or a longer period, depending on availability. Extended stays allow for additional clinical and teaching opportunities.

What does a typical outreach week look like?

Vision outreach is usually conducted two days per month, typically on a Monday and Tuesday. During this time, we visit one school per day, depending on the size of the school.

If you are volunteering beyond these days, you may also spend time at the Tintswalo Hospital Eye Clinic.

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Where will I be based during my volunteer placement?

You will primarily be based at:

Local schools during outreach days
Tintswalo Hospital Eye Clinic (for extended volunteering opportunities)

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What will my role be during outreach?

As a volunteer optometrist, you will:

Lead the refraction station
Provide clinical guidance to screening volunteers
Support decision-making for more complex or uncertain cases
Act as the main referral point during screenings

Your role is essential in ensuring both efficiency and clinical quality.

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Who conducts the screenings?

Screenings are conducted by:

Tshemba Foundation volunteers (mostly medical doctors)
Optometry students (in certain models, under supervision)

These teams are supported and guided by the optometrist on-site.

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What age groups are screened?

We prioritise:

All learners in Grade R and Grade 1
Learners identified by teachers as having visual or ocular concerns

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What happens if an optometrist is not present?

Screenings may still take place, but:

Refractions are delayed until an optometrist is available
This can result in slower service delivery and delays in providing spectacles

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Are there opportunities beyond school screenings?

Yes. If you are volunteering for a longer period, you may:

Work at the Tintswalo Hospital Eye Clinic
Engage in teaching and mentoring of staff or students
Contribute to strengthening local eye care services

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Are spectacles provided to patients?

Yes. Spectacles are sponsored through a partner foundation and laboratory, allowing us to provide corrective lenses to children in need.

We are always open to additional partnerships or ideas for sustainable spectacle provision.

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What are the common clinical conditions encountered?

One of the most prevalent conditions is Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), which is often underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Your role may include:

Identifying VKC and other ocular conditions
Advising on appropriate management
Facilitating referrals where necessary

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What challenges should I be aware of?

Some common challenges include:

Limited access to medication
Inconsistent treatment at local facilities
Transport barriers for patients
Delays in follow-up care

Your clinical input plays a key role in helping address these challenges.

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How often are schools revisited?

Our goal is to revisit each school every two years or sooner. However, this depends on volunteer availability and programme capacity.

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How do I confirm my participation or get more information?

We recommend scheduling a Zoom meeting with the Eye Care Coordinator to:

Confirm logistics and availability
Discuss equipment and staffing

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