Denver— Optometry Giving Sight is calling on all members of the optometric community to join the global movement to eliminate avoidable blindness by taking the 2012 World Sight Day Challenge scheduled to be held on Thursday Oct. 11.

The World Sight Day Challenge is an opportunity for everyone in the optical profession to make a personal donation and help raise urgently needed funds to support sustainable eye and vision care projects in underserved communities around the world. This year, optometrists and their practices are once again invited to: donate a day of eye exam fees in October; or make a small donation per frame sold or exam given; and invite patients to donate during the month.

“The funds raised by our profession each year have an incredible impact on the lives of people who are blind or vision impaired simply because they cannot access an eye exam and glasses,” said Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, chairperson. “Children are especially vulnerable. Providing vision correction to a school-age child can literally transform their entire life.”

That’s why Optometry Giving Sight is helping to fund the solution. In 2012, Optometry Giving Sight has committed funding to support 42 projects and 24 countries—including for the first time, projects in the U.S. that will provide access to eye and vision care for underserved populations in this country.

“Our profession is at the forefront of global efforts to end refractive error blindness and impaired vision,” said Murphy. “I hope that each person within our profession will take the Challenge and make a donation to Optometry Giving Sight on or around October 11, World Sight Day.”

Find out how to take part and help in the global fight against avoidable blindness by watching VM’s Spotlight selection currently on the VM Video Page. Information about making a donation, holding a practice fundraiser or registering for a practice kit is available at www.givingsight.org or by calling 1 888 OGS GIVE (USA) / +1 403-670-2619 (Canada).