Message from the Chair: The Multiplier Effect
Brien A Holden, PhD, DSc, OAM, Chair and CEO of Optometry Giving Sight - 2007
I was fortunate to recently attend the National Meeting for Vision Source! – the premier network of independent doctors of optometry in the U.S. I explained to this group of doctors and office managers that they were perhaps the most progressive and successful group of optometrists in the world – and that collectively they could really have an impact on the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired because they are unable to access basic eye care services.
I also explained that the money that they and others had already contributed had had an enormous impact on the lives of people in East Africa through the Giving Sight to Blind Children program, which is partly funded by Optometry Giving Sight.
But more importantly, I was able to demonstrate how money raised by optometrists could be leveraged to invite support from corporate entities, governments and institutional funding sources – often at ratios of as much as 10 to 1. The multiplier effect, as I like to think of it, can be very significant. But only if we have the fundamental support of optometrists.
I am delighted to say that more than 200 doctors and their colleagues chose to become regular donors to Optometry Giving Sight at that meeting in Dallas – with many more indicating their imminent support.
In Australia, more than 150 new optometrists made a regular or one-off donation at the recent Queensland Vision conference and the Southern Regional Congress – with the active support and encouragement of our Australian sponsors CIBA Vision, AMO and Essilor.
We have been greatly encouraged by the ongoing support of optometrists in Canada – and in the U.K., where many are now actively choosing to take out standing order forms and/or implement our Practice Giving program.
They are being joined by our colleagues from the World Council of Optometry – many of whom, at their recent international meeting in Mexico, undertook to take the first simple step of making their own regular donation – and then taking the message back to their various communities and professional bodies in more than 100 countries.
As I said at the signing of the Durban Declaration: “At this very historic congress we have identified that while the magnitude of the problem is beyond our original estimations and the need is urgent - the solution is achievable”.
We look forward to working with each and every one of you to realize this vision.
