It was very encouraging this year to see how the active involvement and proactive use of social media helped propel a wide ranging audience to learn more about the value of vision care and vision correction through this month’s World Sight Day.

Spurred on by the Optometry Giving Sight organization and joined by other leading groups who fight this fight every day, the collective impact of revealed facts, personal stories and breakthroughs were enhanced by those who got the message across via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts. The collective result built true awareness and heightened empathy for those who cannot be productive or leverage personal and professional opportunities, primarily due to uncorrected refractive error.

One of several events I attended was a NYC media session where Jason Singh, OD, head of the OneSight Foundation, drew attention to the impact of not being able to see through its novel www.TheWayISee.it site and video (check it out via Google Chrome). Singh also talked about the effectiveness of building “sustainable” models for providing access to care. I was also lucky enough to attend a Helen Keller International honor of a Service Award to Jordan Kassalow, OD, founder of VisionSpring an organization which is also passionate about the cause. One of the compelling things Kassalow discussed was finding a way “to bridge the vision gap” for the underserved. It was inspiring to hear him talk about his group’s success in creating more sustainable models for delivering service and products to those in need.

Let’s look forward to all of us contributing to sustain the message of “the right to sight’” and make all days World Sight Days.

A Personal ‘Thank You’

Speaking of “sustainability,’” there are other kinds of things “that last.” We present a salute to her here in this issue of VM, but I’d like to personally say thank you to one who has been a continuous, consistent and warm presence in our life and that’s Ms. Gloria Nicola, who retires at the end of this month after 26 years at 20/20, VM’s sister pub here at Jobson. An eyewear and creativity “aficionado,” Gloria has one of the best “eyes” in the business and has always been a well-respected arbiter of design. She’s also always been a constant friend to me and many here. Join me in congratulating her and wishing her only the best. ■

maxelrad@jobson.com