June 16 is National Youth Day in South Africa. This day honors the brave students of the 1976 Soweto Uprising who stood against unfairness in education. As we celebrate their courage and hope for a better future, we should think about how we can support today’s youth, starting with their health and education.

One often-ignored part of a child’s learning journey is their eye health. Good vision is essential for participating in class, reading, and learning. However, many children in underserved communities lack regular eye exams. This can lead to vision issues that affect their school performance and self-esteem.

This Youth Month, let’s promote a new type of vision. We need to ensure annual eye checks, access to affordable glasses, and education about eye care for primary school students. Just as the youth of 1976 fought for their right to learn, we must make sure today’s youth have the clarity and tools they need to succeed.

How you see matters. Let’s help every learner see their future clearly.