Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) announced the theme for this year’s 2023 World Sight Day Challenge: Giving Together, Seeing Forever.
Refresh me on this organization.
Established in 2003, OGS is a global, fundraising joint initiative of the World Council of Optometry (WCO), the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), and the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI).
Its mission: permanently solving preventable blindness and vision impairment problems via training, establishing, and delivering sustainable solutions to underserved communities across the globe.
How are the funds used?
OGS provides grants (one grant-making cycle per calendar year, starting in July) to both domestic and international nonprofit or charity organizations that are focused on long-term sustainable activities.
Fundings supports organizations that focus on:
- Programs with clear outline of optometry’s involvement and benefits
- Establishing or supporting optometry schools, eye clinics, vision centers, and optical labs
- Delivering eye exam and low to no-cost glasses to populations in need (with strong education and training component)
- Integrated, long-term programs geared toward sustainability
- Service delivery linked to education and/or optometry development
Click here for details on grant amounts and application requirements.
And World Sight Day?
Observed annually on the second Thursday of October, World Sight Day (WSD) is a global event created to raise awareness to the importance of eye care, specifically blindness and vision impairment.
The initiative was originally launched in 2000 by the Campaign SightFirst of Lions Club International.
When is this year’s event?
Thursday, October 12.
Now talk about the WSD Challenge.
The challenge is OGS’s largest annual fundraiser held over the course of several months leading up to WSD and through the month of October.
Per the organization, it brings “the global optometric community together to eradicate uncorrected refractive error” by providing sight-saving funds to families.
Explain this year’s theme.
“Giving Together, Seeing Forever,” is focused on celebrating the optometric community’s ability to give the gift of sight to millions in need.
How can I participate?
ECPs interested in launching fundraising efforts at their practice or company can register here to receive a toolkit with resources for the challenge.
What if I want to donate to OGS?
Click here.