Optometry Giving Sight in your practice
You can support Optometry Giving Sight in your practice by choosing to make a regular monthly or annual donation. These can be made online or when you renew your AOP membership. Just “Tick Yes to Optometry Giving Sight” and nominate your donation amount.
Keep an eye out for our Practice Giving Program to be launched in the UK in 2007.
Here is why Dr. Bob Chappell and Hugh Campbell have chosen to support Optometry Giving Sight in their practices:
Dr. Robert Chappell OBE MPhil DSc FCOptom
Bob is an independent optometrist and practices in the City of London and the Herts and Essex borders. He is a Past President of the College of Optometrists and the current Treasurer. He represents the College on a number of external committees and organizations including the General Optical Council, and is the President Elect of the World Council of Optometry. Bob is also President of the European Council of Optometry and Optics, Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers and Chairman of Optometry Giving Sight (Optometry Giving Sight).
“As the chairman of Optometry Giving Sight in the UK and through my involvement with the Word Council of Optometry I am well aware of the desperate need for a long-term solution that will enable those in the developing world to obtain basic eye care services. Life without sight can be a life without opportunity for many in developing countries. I feel that it is our responsibility to support and fund Optometry Giving Sight so that we can give people the right to sight. I am supporting Optometry Giving Sight through regular contributions from my practice and am also looking to set up a patient donation scheme whereby £1 is added to every pair of glasses sold. If everyone in the optometric community were to get involved with this campaign we could have a significant impact in reducing the numbers of those whose lives are unnecessarily affected by uncorrected refractive error and low vision.”
Hugh M. Campbell BSc (Hons) MPhil FCOptom FAAO
Hugh is an Optometrist, Independent Practitioner, AOP council member, Highland AOC Chairman.
“As the lead practitioner of two independent practices in a rural area taking an active part in the future of the community, I have always been a strong supporter of charitable causes. The practices have supported Vision Aid Overseas, the Highland Hospice and Maggie’s Highland Cancer Care for many years and we continue to do so.
“I was first made aware of Optometry Giving Sight through a conversation with Professor Brien Holden, who had witnessed firsthand in India the problems of third world communities if the breadwinner could not see well enough to carry out simple tasks like threading a needle. This was reinforced by a presentation at the AOP General Council Meeting in May 2006, when Jo Hollingsworth gave a presentation, and I signed up on the spot. I, and my staff members, felt that Optometry Giving Sight’ commitment to providing long-term sustainable solutions in the developing world was the best way forward.
“I have signed up my practices to make regular contributions to Optometry Giving Sight and we are also displaying the patient information. The response from my patients has been excellent, any adjustments or minor repair results in a contribution. Within a week of putting out the patient information leaflets, one lady had made a donation of £100.
“Looking to the future we hope to promote Optometry Giving Sight much more proactively in the practices. Our patients understand better than anyone the benefits of vision correction. When people find out that we are supporting a charity that enables people in the developing world to receive the eye care that they need, hence giving them the ability to see, and live normal lives, they are extremely supportive. Remember that in the UK we take it for granted that patients have access to optometric services locally, all year round. Through supporting Optometry Giving Sight I am extremely happy to be helping to provide eye care for those less fortunate and it also has the added bonus of increasing patient loyalty! I would certainly encourage all optometrists to get involved with this extremely worthwhile campaign.”
