​The Transnet Phelophepa Healthcare Trains are now offering free prescription glasses/spectacles and sunglasses to Gauteng communities. 
Previously, communities would receive eye screening for free and would have to pay R30 for spectacles. This year communities consulting for eye care services in Gauteng are receiving eye wear for free. 
Elizabeth Sekati, a resident of Mamelodi was thrilled to receive both spectacles and sunglasses for free after consulting at the clinic on wheels while it was stationed at the Eerste Fabrieke Station in Mamelodi, Tshwane from 29 July to 09 August 2024. 
"I came here in need of spectacles to improve my vision. I was only expecting spectacles, but the Phelophepa eye care clinic also gave me sunglasses as well. I am so happy that I received both glasses for free," said Sekati. 
The Phelophepa Healthcare Trains are now equipped with the state-of-the-art eye testing equipment and lens edge grinder cutters, allowing patients to receive the prescriptions glasses an hour after consulting.
In a day, the trains' eye care clinic sees a maximum of 160 people who get to go home with their free spectacles in hand. The concept of producing the eye wear inside the coaches has improved efficiency within the Phelophepa Healthcare Trains, ensuring that those that access the service are fully satisfied with the one-day service. 
Londeka Zulu, a Transnet Phelophepa Healthcare Train's Eye Care Manager encouraged communities where the train will be stationed in Gauteng to take advantage of the free healthcare services offered by the train.
"It is important that communities who live near the stations that we will be stationed at to come and access the healthcare services including free basic eye testing, screening and prescription spectacles. We are currently issuing the spectacles for free in the stations we are visiting in Gauteng," said Zulu. 
The Phelophepa Healthcare Trains also render dental services such as extractions, fillings and cleanings and cancer screening services such as pap smear, mammogram and prostate-specific antigen testing. Almost all the services are rendered free of cost, and now that prescription glasses are free of charge, the highest amount patients pay is R10. 
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko visited the stations on Wednesday, 07 (in Mamelodi) and Thursday, 08 August (in Soweto) to oversee the services being rendered and engage with communities.
In the upcoming week starting from 12 – 23 August 2024, the two trains will be stationed at Oakmoor Station in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni and Vereeniging Station in Sedibeng. They operate from Monday to Friday, 07:30  - 16:00.