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Nearly half a million dollars raised during World Sight Day
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Optometry practices and ophthalmic manufacturers contributed nearly $500,000 to Optometry Giving Sight through the World Sight Day Challenge in October.
With the support of the optometry profession and industry, Optometry Giving Sight funds programs that help address the needs of the 670 million people who do not have access to an eye exam and a pair of glasses – 90% of whom are living in developing countries. Through the provision of vision care, the training of local eye care professionals and construction of infrastructure such as community-based vision centers, these programs ensure sustainable, lasting results for people in need.
Through the end of 2009, Optometry Giving Sight distributed nearly $3 million through its partners to help screen and provide basic eye care services to more than 3.5 million people, train 1,550 mid-level eye care personnel and create 101 vision centers/optical labs. The funds were distributed to projects in Sri Lanka, Southern Africa, East Timor, Latin America, indigenous Australia, Papua New Guinea and other parts of the world.
Learn more about Optometry Giving Sight and read more from World Sight Day Challenge participants at www.givingsight.org.
This information is provided as a service by Primary Care Optometry News.