Optometry Giving Sight is sending a New South Wales optometrist – the first winner of a World Sight Day Challenge – off for the ‘Trip of a Lifetime’.
Stephen Langshaw – of Langshaw and Bell Shire Optometrists in Gymea, NSW – has been announced the winner of the trip, and will visit an Optometry Giving Sight-funded project in Cambodia later this year.
The “Trip of a Lifetime” competition was established in for the first time last year as part of the World Sight Day Challenge, and was sponsored by Essilor, Alcon and mivision.
To be in the draw, practices had to raise or donate a minimum of AU$250 by 15 November. For every additional AU$100 donated, practices received another entry into the draw.
I hope that I will be able to make some small difference whether in a primary care role or as a mentor
As the first winner, Mr. Langshaw will join a project team in Phnon Penh in September this year. As part of the team working in local child eye health, he will examine patients and assist in training local eye care specialists.
Ron Baroni, Country Manager of Optometry Giving Sight, said it is a great opportunity for Mr. Langshaw to see donations at work.
“Not only will Stephen be able to contribute first hand to a project, it will also be an opportunity to see how the fundraising efforts during the World Sight Day Challenge, and throughout the year, are contributing to long-term change,” he said.
Mr. Langshaw will help support the implementation of a comprehensive children eye health program, a project of the Brien Holden Vision Institute.
“I was delighted to receive a call from Ron saying that I was the lucky winner. I have been considering joining an overseas program for some time,” said Mr. Langshaw.
“I hope that I will be able to make some small difference whether in a primary care role or as a mentor.”
