Optometry Giving Sight

The Irish optical community joined together to take up the World Sight Day Challenge in greater numbers than ever before this October.

Optometry students from Dublin Institute of Technology hit the streets armed with donation tins on World Sight Day, managing to collect a total of €220 thanks to the generosity of the general public.

Long time World Sight Day Challenge supporters Mairead O Leary Opticians again held a successful bake sale outside their practice, raising a total of €180, and donated a further €250 exam fees and €100 from donation box collections.

“It is a privilege for the patients and staff of Mairead O’ Leary Opticians to support the work of Optometry Giving Sight. We are delighted to be recognised as Optometry Giving Sight Ireland Practice of the Year for 2011, and are encouraged to be involved even more for 2012,” said Mairead O’ Leary following receipt of her award.

Gold National In-Kind Sponsor DX Limited helped out by delivering Optometry Giving Sight donation boxes to 48 practices across the country that signed up to take the World Sight Day Challenge for the first time this year.

Essilor Ireland sales staff managed to generate €600 from their WSDC fundraising fancy dress activities. The staff took part in a fancy dress day at work, and the company also offered free eye exams and spectacles to all staff in recognition of World Sight Day.

Optometry Giving Sight National Committee Chair James Loughman said it was encouraging to see more members of the optical community getting on board this year.

“I would like to thank all our supporters who have helped make this our most successful World Sight Day Challenge yet,” he said.

“At least 80 percent of blindness and visual impairment in developing countries is avoidable or at least readily treatable with the appropriate services. Your donations will help us to give the gift of vision to more people in need,” he added.

Photo: (top) Mairead O Leary (right), with staff members Mary Browne and Jennifer Dawson, collects her award, (above right) Essilor Ireland staff on fancy dress day