Optometry Giving Sight™

Optometry Giving Sight™  launches U.S. Campaign to End Preventable Blindness 

Optometry Giving Sight™ (OGS), an international charitable initiative, has launched its United States campaign to raise funds for prevention of blindness due to refractive error and to help those with permanent low vision.  OGS campaigns have already been launched in Australia and the United Kingdom.
 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 37 million people worldwide are clinically blind and 124 million people suffer with permanent low vision.  Without proper intervention, these numbers will double by the year 2020.
 
“It is estimated that an additional 250 million people are functionally blind or vision impaired due to uncorrected refractive error,” said Professor Brien Holden, Chairman of the Global Executive Management Committee for OGS.
 
“Optometry Giving Sight™ aims to raise funds to support sustainable projects around the world that will eliminate this number.”
 
Money raised in the United States will fund the development of sustainable infrastructure via eye clinics, routine eye examinations, distribution of optical devices, training programs and clinical equipment in communities in need in the U.S. and around the world.   
 
“The treatments available for correcting refractive error are among the most effective, least expensive of treatment interventions,” Holden said.  OGS is a joint fundraising initiative of the World Optometry Foundation, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and the International Centre for Eyecare Education. 
 
Program  officials say Optometry Giving Sight™ is unique in three ways:

• It is the only global fundraising initiative that specifically targets the prevention of blindness due to refractive error and to help those with permanent low vision.
• The campaign is directed at every optometrist and optical professional; every optometry and optical outlet, their staff and most importantly their patients and clients; as well as the industry that serves optometry and the optical outlets.
• The collaboration brings together all people who are familiar with the value of eye examinations and the correction of sight defects who are passionate about eliminating avoidable blindness and who have the knowledge and determination to deliver a solution.

OGS is an unprecedented opportunity for optometry to make a coordinated and significant impact in the prevention of blindness.  For information, visit www.givingsight.org.