For many people, clear eyesight is something they seldom think about. Yet for thousands of South Africans, poor vision continues to limit opportunities at school, at work and in daily life. It is this reality that continues to drive the work of the Rita Teka Foundation, which is preparing to host its 4th Annual Charity Golf Day later this month.
The fundraising event, set to take place on 27 March at Magalies Park Country Club, will bring together golfers, partners and supporters for a day that combines sport with social impact. Proceeds from the tournament will help fund eye screenings, prescription spectacles and specialist referrals for disadvantaged communities.
Founded in 2023 by optometrist Dr Rita Teka, the Foundation was born from a deeply personal journey. Her commitment to improving access to eye care began years earlier, after she encountered a young girl in Alexandra who was struggling at school due to undiagnosed vision problems.
“Seeing that child’s situation opened my eyes to how many young people are falling behind simply because they cannot see properly,” Dr Teka said. “When a learner finally receives the right pair of glasses and can see the board clearly, it changes their confidence and their future.”
Since its establishment, the Foundation has screened more than 2,000 people, distributed over 1,500 pairs of glasses and referred hundreds of critical cases for specialised treatment. Despite this progress, the demand for services continues to grow.
This year’s golf day is being organised in partnership with Rose Coloured Lens, founded by advocate Nguni Nkuli Bogopa. Having lived with vision impairment herself, Bogopa has become a strong voice for inclusion and empowerment.
“My journey has shown me how vision challenges can affect every part of your life,” she said. “But it has also shown me the power of community support and access to care. Through this partnership, we want to inspire hope and ensure more people receive the help they need.”
Together, the two women are leading a growing movement aimed at ensuring that access to quality eye care is not determined by income or circumstance. The Foundation places particular focus on public-school learners in underserved areas, where vision problems often go undetected.
Organisers say the charity golf day is about more than competition on the course. Participants can enter as teams or individuals, while members of the public who do not play golf are invited to attend the evening dinner and contribute to the cause. Golfers are also encouraged to donate old spectacle frames, which will be refurbished and redistributed to those in need.
For supporters, each swing of the club represents an opportunity to help restore sight, confidence and dignity. As preparations continue, organisers remain hopeful that the event will once again unite sport lovers and community champions in a shared effort to create brighter futures one pair of glasses at a time.
