Industry, individual OD support Optometry Giving Sight

One ophthalmic company has increased its contributions to Optometry Giving Sight, while a private practitioner has implemented a novel way of getting patients involved.

Jeffrey Krohn, OD, from Fresno, Calif., said in an Optometry Giving Sight press release that while talking to his wife about a new line of eye wear, she made a comment that perhaps patients would feel better about buying glasses if they knew someone in need would get a pair of glasses, too.

With the Optometry Giving Sight Seeing Eye to Eye program, the practice sets a donation of $2 to $5 for each eye exam, frame or glasses purchased, and the donation funds glasses and sustainable eye care services for young children and people in developing countries.

Dr. Krohn tells his patients: “When you see better, you provide sight for another.”

Since January 2011, Dr. Krohn’s donations have provided sight to the equivalent of 2,000 people in need, according to the press release.

CooperVision has increased its commitment to Optometry Giving Sight by becoming a Platinum Global Sponsor, according to another Optometry Giving Sight press release.

“This is a very significant commitment by our company to an organization that we believe is having a substantial impact on the delivery of sustainable eye care services in underserved communities throughout the world,” CooperVision President John Weber said in the press release.

The company has made a 2-year commitment.

Optometry Giving Sight Chief Executive Officer, Clive Miller, said in the press release that the group is funding 26 projects in 18 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. They include support for schools of optometry; the establishment of vision centers, optical laboratories and training clinics; and outreach programs.

To learn more about Optometry Giving Sight, visit www.givingsight.org or call (800) OGS-GIVE.

This information is provided by Primary Care Optometry News as a service to its readers.