Affordable eye care across South Africa.
Good vision plays an important part in everyday life, from learning and working to driving and staying independent.
St John South Africa offers optometric services provided by healthcare professionals who specialise in vision care and correction, prescribing glasses or contact lenses, and diagnosing and treating common eye conditions like nearsightedness or astigmatism.
Find your nearest centre
Regular screening
It is a misconception to believe that we only need to see an optometrist when there is something wrong with the way we see. Many eye conditions for children and adults are asymptomatic, meaning you will not know you have it unless a thorough examination is conducted. Early diagnosis means early treatment and a better chance of managing vision loss.
Eye tests are necessary to rule out any underlying conditions and ensure optimum eye health. A comprehensive eye test checks the refractive status of the eye, the neurological function, eye muscle coordination, eye health and eye pressures.
Eye tests and glasses
| Service | Normal | Now from |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive eye test | R185 | |
| Single vision spectacles | R940 | R705 |
| Bifocal spectacles | R1 590 | R1 193 |
| Multifocal spectacles | R2 860 | R2 145 |
Prices shown are our current rates. The final cost of your glasses will depend on your prescription and choice of frames and lenses, and will be confirmed before your glasses are made.
Workplaces, schools and communities
St John also provides on-site vision screening for businesses, schools and community organisations.
Our team can arrange screenings for groups and provide access to affordable prescription glasses where needed, making it easier to bring essential eye care directly to the people you support.
Speak to us about vision screening for your workplace, school or community.
We also offer on-site screening and bulk spectacle pricing.
Eye care with a wider purpose
St John has been serving communities across South Africa for generations. Our Eye Care Centres form part of that wider commitment to improving health and access to care.
As a non-profit organisation, choosing St John also helps support our wider work in communities across South Africa.
Eye care FAQs
Visiting a centre
What are your operating hours?+
Our Eye Care Centres are open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00.
Do I need an appointment for an eye test?+
Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are given priority. We recommend booking in advance so your nearest centre can arrange a suitable time for you.
Book an appointmentWhere are St John Eye Care Centres located?+
St John has nine Eye Care Centres across six provinces in South Africa, including centres in Johannesburg, Soweto, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East London, Fish Hoek, Gqeberha and Somerset West.
How can I pay?+
Eye tests and spectacles can be paid for by cash, card or EFT.
Your eye test
What can I expect during an eye test?+
Expect comprehensive checks of your visual and ocular health, including assessments of vision clarity, eye pressure and overall eye health.
How long will an eye test take?+
An eye test typically takes around 20 minutes.
How much is an eye test at St John?+
A comprehensive eye test at a St John Eye Care Centre is currently R185.
How often should we have our eyes tested?+
Adults should have their eyes tested every 18 to 24 months, so that changes in vision and eye conditions are picked up early.
Older adults, 65 and above, should have annual eye exams because of the higher risk of age-related eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts.
Children should have their eyes tested annually to monitor their visual development, pick up refractive errors and address anything that may affect their learning.
Will a St John eye test cover specific conditions?+
Yes. A range of tests for specific eye conditions form part of our comprehensive eye examinations. One of the key tests we perform is tonometry, which measures the pressure inside your eyes to check for glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss if it is not treated.
Alongside tonometry we also provide:
- Retinal examinations, assessing the back of the eye for signs of retinal disease and conditions such as macular degeneration.
- Visual field testing, evaluating your peripheral vision to detect issues that might affect your ability to see side to side.
- Refraction assessments, determining the exact prescription needed for glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
- Slit-lamp examinations, a detailed inspection of the front segment of your eye, including the cornea, iris and lens, to identify abnormalities.
- Diabetic eye exams, special evaluations for people with diabetes to detect and monitor diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related eye conditions.
The goal is a thorough evaluation of your eye health, so anything of concern is found and managed early.
Does St John perform ophthalmic surgery?+
St John Eye Care Centres specialise in optometric services rather than ophthalmic surgery. We do not perform operations for conditions such as cataracts.
Our comprehensive eye examinations do include a range of tests to diagnose specific eye conditions. If surgery or more advanced treatment is needed, we provide a detailed referral letter and guide you towards the right medical treatment.
Glasses and lenses
How much do prescription glasses cost?+
Prescription glasses start from R705 for single vision spectacles, R1 193 for bifocals and R2 145 for multifocals. Those are our current discounted rates, from normal prices of R940, R1 590 and R2 860.
Add-ons such as blue light blocking, anti-reflective coating and photochromic lenses are available at an additional cost.
Your final price depends on your prescription, frame and lens requirements, and the centre will confirm it before your glasses are made.
What types of lenses are available?+
We offer a range of lenses to suit different vision needs:
- Single vision lenses, for people who need correction for one field of vision, either distance or near.
- Bifocal lenses, for people who need correction for both distance and near vision, with a distinct line separating the two fields.
- Multifocal lenses, also known as progressive lenses, which move seamlessly between distance, intermediate and near vision without visible lines.
Add-ons are available to enhance your lenses:
- Blue light blocking, reducing eye strain by filtering blue light from digital screens.
- Anti-reflective coating, minimising reflections and glare, which helps particularly in low light.
- Photochromic lenses, which darken in bright sunlight and clear indoors.
How long does it take to get my new spectacles?+
It typically takes around 10 working days to receive your new glasses.
Can I pay off my spectacles?+
Yes. We offer a flexible payment plan that lets you pay for your spectacles in instalments over three months, which makes the cost easier to manage. Please note that spectacles are only ordered once the final payment has been received.
Is there a warranty on frames?+
All frames come with a six-month warranty covering manufacturing defects. If there is a problem with the frame's craftsmanship in the first six months, we will repair or replace it at no additional cost. The warranty does not cover accidental damage, normal wear and tear or misuse.
Groups and organisations
Does St John provide eye screening for schools and workplaces?+
Yes. St John provides on-site vision screening and group eye care services for workplaces, schools and community organisations, with bulk spectacle pricing where it applies. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.
Book your eye test
Looking after your eyesight starts with knowing how well you can see.
Book an appointment at your nearest St John Eye Care Centre and our team will be in touch to confirm the details.
Or call us on 011 646 5520