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Optometry Giving Sight solicits participation in World Sight Day
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Optometry Giving Sight is asking optometrists to join the World Sight Day Challenge Oct. 11, an effort that aims to give sight to the 13 million children who are blind or visually impaired due to uncorrected refractive error.
Stuart Bark, OD, of Scottsdale, Ariz., was one of the first optometrists to sign up for the World Sight Day Challenge, which involves donating fees from eye exams or committing to a regular monthly donation.
"Getting involved in the challenge not only teaches patients about the importance of eye health education around the world, it helps the staff to become more involved in a very positive charity," said Joann Valente, a staff member at Dr. Bark's practice, which last year raised nearly $5,000 by donating its eye exam fees. "We hope that this year every practice in Arizona will get involved in the challenge."
Practice staff, patients and students can also participate by making a regular donation of $5, which is approximately what it costs to provide an eye exam, a pair of glasses and residual training for staff in countries that lack eye care services. This simple intervention can save someone from a life without sight, enabling children to learn, adults to work, and the elderly to preserve their dignity and independence.
To register, visit the Optometry Giving Sight Web site, www.givingsight.org, or call 1-888-OGS-GIVE.
Primary Care Optometry News provides this information as a service to its readers.