Optometry Giving Sight has challenged optometrists around Australia to raise vital funds towards global eye health during the World Sight Day Challenge, which runs throughout October.
Now in its seventh year, World Sight Day is the largest global fundraising initiative to address avoidable blindness and impaired vision caused by uncorrected refractive error. In 2014 the global aim is to raise AU$1million.
Last year, students, optometry practices and optical suppliers were all involved in the campaign with two Australian practices in particular, Sure Optical and Eyre Eye Centre, recognised for their efforts with Platinum Awards.
Sure Optical in Lisarow, NSW had a fundraising website and held their second annual ‘HighBalls for Eyeballs’ Cocktail evening with all proceeds going to Optometry Giving Sight. The three hour event included an exclusive WSDC cocktail as well as an auction and prizes contributed by patients and the community. Essilor matched their fundraising effort as part of their WSD Challenge.
Eyre Eye Centre in Port Lincoln, South Australia used simple but effective fundraising methods, including donating their eye exam fees on World Sight Day and inviting their patients to donate generously throughout the month of October. Both practices were avid users of social media and used that capacity to connect with patients and involve them in the challenge.
Taking the Challenge can be as simple as making a donation or as involved as hosting a fundraiser. A recommended starting point is donating eye exam fees or a percentage of glasses sales, as this is a convenient way to raise funds and to engage both patients and practice staff. To complement those efforts, activities such as raffles, bake sales, sausage sizzles, trivia nights, or participation in fun runs can make fundraising more fruitful and engaging.
Sign up for the World Sight Day Challenge at givingsight.org or call 1300 88 10
