OGS in your practice
Brisbane Optometrists Lees & Henschell Support OGS
When Brisbane Optometrist Bob Lees volunteered to visit Sri Lanka as a member of an International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE) team to provide eye care to tsunami-affected communities, he didn’t anticipate the impact it would have on his life. Nor did his staff suspect they were about to be taken along for the ride in an ongoing process that is helping to raise money for Optometry Giving Sight (OGS), one of the organizations providing funding for the ICEE teams. Bob and business partner, Sue Henschell, have made a firm decision that OGS will now be the “charity of choice” for their practice.
When asked why they had made this decision, Bob explained “ In Sri Lanka, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the huge impact the ICEE / OGS program had on those wonderful people who are living in the most desperate conditions. Sure, we will still support some local causes, but most of our charity budget will now be directed to OGS.”
Bob said he couldn’t help but be touched when he saw the tears build up in the eyes of a poor villager who has never had access to eye care when they suddenly realize they can read again. For some it may mean much more than the simple pleasure of reading – it may mean they can continue working to support their family.
“It truly is a wonderful feeling and you suddenly realize what an awesome power we as Optometrists have – and with that comes a huge responsibility,” Bob said.
Although the practice is really only in the early stages of maximizing its support of OGS, Bob and Sue are pleased that their staff has been very interested and supportive.
Receptionist Wendy Holdsworth is right behind the project. “I know from my husband’s humanitarian aid trip to India that there are people all over the world in desperate need,” she said. “We’ll certainly be encouraging patients to support the program and drop a coin in the OGS collection tin for any minor repairs we do.”
The practice now includes an OGS brochure with every recall letter and has added an explanatory note at the bottom of the page to encourage patient participation. This initiative has not been in place for very long but already there are encouraging signs of patient response.
“I would like to see every single Optometry practice in the country supporting OGS. Uncorrected refractive error is our turf, we are the specialists in this area and I believe that places a huge responsibility on us to help the 250 million affected people around the world,” added Bob.
Practice Giving Program:
OGS in Australia introduced the Practice Giving Program in August in a small number of practices. These practices will commit for a minimum 6-month period before the program is rolled out nationally in 2007.
We are looking for practices to volunteer to get involved and would like to hear from you if you are interested to learn more contact us.
The current ways you can support OGS in your practice are:
A) Collection Tins:
Collection tins are available for all practices. Most optometric practices offer complimentary services for frame adjustments and screw repairs. Naturally, customers and patients are grateful for these services.
How to Encourage Patients and Customers to Make a Donation
After completing the complimentary service, practice staff can ask patients and customers to consider making a ‘gold coin’ donation to help fight global blindness.
What is the Typical Amount Raised Per Week?
Our experience to date indicates that between $15 - $25 per week can be raised from one practice if all staff are briefed on the best usage.
How Much Does a Tin Hold?
Depending on the amount of the donations each tin a tin can hold anywhere from $200 - $400 (The most recorded from one tin is $412!)
Our Target
Our aim is that all practices will fill two tins each per year.
When To Empty Tin?
Tins can be emptied and replaced at any time. Any questions, please contact Emily from Optometry Giving Sight on 1300 88 10 73.
B) Recall Notices:
OGS DL sized self mailers included with patient recall notices. Donors will make a first donation and then depending on relationship will become loyal supporters of OGS. This is tax deductible for your patient, and we can send you the number of recalls that you need to send out over a 6-month period.
Actual Financial Cost to Practice
- Administration time in inserting self mailer into envelope
Practice Receives (per practice)
- An instruction sheet, a display holder containing 25 DL self-mailers to be placed at point of sale in reception and a package of other promotional materials.
C) Cause Related Marketing - Point of Sale Donation
Nominated amounts and products can vary from practice to practice and from month to month without altering the methodology.
Recommendation
- The recommended strategy is on completed pair of spectacles i.e. frames sold.
- The recommended level is $2 per completed spectacles/frames sold.
- Or $2 per consultation over $50.
Tax Deductible
This is tax deductible depending whether the point of sale donation is made by the practice or by the patient.
For more information, contact Optometry Giving Sight Australia on 1300 881073
