Health Train Clinic Manager Awarded Master’s Degree

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Transnet Foundation and Phelophepa Health Train Eye Clinic Manager Ms Londeka Noxolo Zulu was awarded a Master’s in Optometry.

‘I am excited about finally completing my Master’s. It is a stepping stone as I am hoping to enrol for a PhD in Optometry in the near future,’ she said.

Zulu, who has been practicing as an Optometrist for almost 10 years in the private and public sectors said that, over the years, she became aware of the need to investigate the challenges confronting delivery of eye care in South Africa, especially in the public sector, and to identify possible solutions.

Supervised by Dr Diane Van Staden, she explored undergraduate Optometry students’ perceptions and experiences of public eye care services in the country. The study found that most of the students held negative views and were skeptical about working in the public sector after graduation.

‘Similar studies have been conducted in other disciplines, but at the time, no similar study could be found for Optometry,’ said Zulu.

Juggling a career, family life and her studies was challenging and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were a serious challenge.

‘Guidance from my supervisor and support from my family and friends helped me to persevere and see my studies through,’ she said.

The Phelophepa Health Train 1 project (a Transnet CSI project) delivers primary health care services to rural and semi-rural communities across South Africa. A 19-coach train was converted into a mobile clinic that houses health, psychology, dental and eye clinics.

Zulu hails from a small rural town called KwaHlabisa in northern KwaZulu-Natal and completed her matric at Somfula High School.

‘Having done my undergraduate qualification at UKZN I was familiar with the Institution. However, I was even more impressed with the Postgraduate Office. The staff is extremely helpful and supportive. I wouldn’t hesitate to do other programmes with UKZN in the future,’ she said.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied