In the lead up to NAIDOC Week (8–15 November), Specsavers has launched two limited edition glasses featuring artwork by contemporary Aboriginal artist, and proud Yuin nation woman, Rheanna Lotter. AU$25 from the sale of each pair of glasses will be donated to The Fred Hollows Foundation.
The initiative aims to raise a total of $125,000 to go towards improving access to high-quality eye care and eyewear for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and help end avoidable blindness in these communities.
Referencing the fact that “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are three times more likely to suffer vision loss or blindness than non-Indigenous Australians,” Jaki Adams-Barton, Director of Program Implementation in Oceania for The Fred Hollows Foundation said “At the moment, our mob are going blind simply because the health system is not meeting our eye health needs.
The funds raised… will help provide eye care through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations
“The funds raised through the sale of these limited edition frames will go towards funding projects that will help provide eye care through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, to ensure access to high quality, culturally safe, patient centric eye care services.”
The glasses are available in optical or prescription sunglass styles and each feature sustainability inspired artwork ‘Saltwater Dreamin’ by Rheanna Lotter.
“The painting shows our incredible waterways. We must always remember the importance of caring for them and it’s our job to ensure we maintain and sustain our environment for future generations,” said Rheanna.
“Knowing that every pair will make a real difference in the Aboriginal community as well as raise awareness of Aboriginal Art and its importance in culture makes it a project I really wanted to be involved in.”
Specsavers Director of Optometry Ben Ashby said Specsavers has been a proud partner of The Fred Hollows Foundation since 2011 and to date has donated over $3.3 million to support their Indigenous Australia Program, with more than $300,000 raised from the sale of previous limited edition ranges.
“We believe that everyone should have access to quality eye care and we’re passionate about working with The Fred Hollows Foundation to close the gap by improving the delivery of eye health services and improving patient outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples,” he said.
The launch of the limited edition glasses on 5 November 2020 is in the lead-up to NAIDOC Week (8–15 November) which celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Indigenous Australians.
For more information, visit www.specsavers.com.au.
