Yesterday, South Africa released a stamp created to help awareness of the prevention of blindness. Also available in the release is a commemorative envelope and canceller. Designed by Saskia van Wyk, the stamp design is minimalist with only a coloured outer frame and white inner area. The Word “Hello” is embossed in Braille.

Blindness is a global issue and South Africa is not exempt from the disorders and diseases of the eye. Current statistics indicate that more than 6 and as many as 9 out of every 1,000 South African is legally blind. To put that in a bigger perspective, approximately 360,000 South Africans are blind today. In addition to the legally blind, thousands more have major visual impairments and millions more need eyeglasses or contact lenses in order to see clearly.