Optometry Giving Sight invites all members of the global eye care community and everybody who values good vision to help create a world where there is no more avoidable blindness, by taking the World Sight Day Challenge, throughout September and October 2014. World Sight Day is Thursday, October 9th.
Now in its 7th year, the World Sight Day Challenge is the largest annual global fundraising campaign to address avoidable blindness caused by uncorrected refractive error- the need for an eye exam and glasses.
The campaign has set a fundraising target of $1 million in 2014 and will once again build on the concept of ‘strength in numbers’. The colorful new aqua blue logo and materials encourage fundraisers to join hands together and show the world just how important eye and vision care are, and how the eye care community is making a difference.
Participating is easy and can be as creative as you like – simply make a fundraising pledge, or a monthly or annual donation on or before World Sight Day, October 9th. Optometry practices and optical companies can also be creative and engage patients, customers and employees with fundraising events throughout the Challenge period. This year why not challenge yourself and your staff to improve on last year’s great results and be recognised with our Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze Achievement Awards.
“Each year more and more optometrists, students, practice staff and optical companies are choosing to invite their friends, family, customers and patients to take the Challenge,” says Clive Miller, CEO. “It’s easy and fun. Who wouldn’t make a small donation to help give people access to the eye care they need?”
Manny (pictured) is the new face for the 2014 Challenge. He was one of the tens of thousands of women, children and men who lost everything when tropical cyclone Yolanda smashed into the Philippines last November. Optometry Giving Sight was pleased to support the efforts of Third World Eye Care Society from Canada who mobilized volunteers and resources to visit the country in late January. More than 8,000 people received glasses as a result of their efforts.
To make or pledge your donation, or register your intention to fundraise, or to find out more, visit givingsight.org or call 1888 OGS GIVE.Media contact: Pamela Capaldi
#1 720 232 4262 / Pamela.capaldi@givingsight.org
How donations can help:
- $50 can help provide a study kit to an optometry student
- $100 can help provide 20 people with access to an eye exam and glasses
- $300 can help to provide a child size trial frame for a community based vision centre
- $1200 could pay a month’s salary for an optometrist to see up to 40 patients a dayd glasses.
Optometry Giving Sight funds the development of sustainable eye and vision care projects in communities where these do not currently exist. These projects focus on local training and capacity building; infrastructure development and the delivery of accessible and affordable vision care services.
