World Sight Day 2019
Did you know 1.2 billion people worldwide can’t see properly simply because they need glasses?
World Sight Day is the only international day of awareness and fundraising to focus global attention on the looming crisis of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. Vision Aid Overseas are working to ensure that everyone, regardless of their gender, economic status and geographical location, has access to affordable eye care services and glasses.
Facts
- 89% of all visually impaired people live in low and middle-income countries
- 55% of visually impaired people are women
- 74% of all visual impairment is preventable or curable
- $200 billion worth of productivity is lost every year because so many people do not have the glasses they need to see clearly
Patrick’s Story
Meet Patrick, a tailor living in Sierra Leone. Patrick had been struggling to work for many years simply because of his deteriorating vision. His blurred vision made it difficult for him to do his job properly, as simple tasks such as seeing the tape measure or threading a needle became a constant struggle.
Patrick did buy a pair of cheap glasses from a market many years ago but these quickly broke and he was unable to find a new, affordable pair.
Thankfully, Patrick heard on the radio that a one of our eye care teams were visiting the local health clinic and realised that this might be his only chance at regaining his sight.
Patrick received a full eye test and was prescribed with a brand-new pair of affordable glasses. He can now see his sewing machine properly for the first time in years and can continue to work without difficulty.
“I thought I would have to give up being a Tailor, as it had become impossible to thread a needle and to retain the accuracy in my work. I cannot believe the difference a pair of glasses make. I can see everything as though I had young eyes again!”
Donations raised through the World Sight Day will enable us to continue to train more eye care workers in Sierra Leone, Zambia, Ethiopia and Ghana, to make sure people like Patrick can continue to work to support their families and communities.
Donate and make a difference
https://www.visionaidoverseas.org/donate/donate/credit-card
