This month Optometry Giving Sight (OGS) will celebrate its 10th year of achievements, having made a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of families and communities.
During its 10-year history, OGS has allocated or disbursed more than AU$12.5 million in funding from donors and sponsors to 72 projects in 37 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America and in Australia.
Clive Miller, Global CEO of OGS, said this has helped to provide basic eye care services to more than four million people; train 2,614 mid-level eye care personnel; establish 133 vision centres and optical laboratories; and support the introduction of optometry programs in 12 schools that have so far produced 110 graduates. Another 480 students are currently studying for their degree or diploma in optometry.
“Optometry Giving Sight mobilises support from the eye and vision care community to support high impact optometry education, training and advocacy projects delivered through a range of partners, united in their goal of eliminating blindness and impaired vision due to URE and to supporting the goals of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight,” said Mr. Miller.
As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary we dedicate ourselves to having an even greater impact in the years ahead
“As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary we dedicate ourselves to having an even greater impact in the years ahead. We do this confidently with the strength and commitment of our founding partners, Global Board, project partners, sponsors, donors and National Committee.”
Key projects for OGS’s coming year include working with the Brien Holden Vision Institute in support of the new optometry program in Vietnam, and to establish an optometry program in Haiti.
“Thank you to all who have participated with us along this journey, especially our global sponsors Brien Holden Vision Institute and CooperVision, and our Australian donors and sponsors including: Essilor, ProVision, Eyecare Plus, General Optical, Optique Line, Safilo, Transitions, ODMA, eye2eye, Eyesmart and of course, mivision,” said Mr. Miller.
