Dr. Joan Hansen of the Tsawwassen Optometry Clinic is joining the World Sight Day Challenge to help give the gift of vision to people in developing countries and underserved communities.
For World Sight Day on Oct. 12, Hansen will donate her eye exam fees to help the more than 600 million people in the world who are blind or vision impaired simply because they do not have access to an eye exam or glasses.
"I have supported Optometry Giving Sight for seven years and am proud to donate to such a worthwhile cause," said Hansen. "The World Sight Day Challenge is a great way to help support the millions of people who don't have access to the basic eye care that we can take for granted."
Hansen was inspired by stories like that of Loid Semente, who is one of the students training to become an optometrist with the Mozambique Eyecare Project, supported by Optometry Giving Sight.
Semente will be one of the first optometrists in her country. She is passionate about optometry because of the significant impact it can have for the people
of Mozambique. "Sight is empowering. For some, access to eye care is the first step towards getting an education, or providing for your family," she said.
Children are especially vulnerable. Providing vision correction to a school-age child can literally transform their entire life. Just $5 can provide an eye examination and a pair of glasses for someone in a developing country.
Hansen is also inviting her patients to make a donation at her practice throughout October.
Optometry Giving Sight guarantees that 85 per cent of all funds raised by optometrists and their patients go directly to supporting programs that give sight to those most in need. Funds raised from World Sight Day Challenge will be directed to 35 projects across 23 countries around the world.
Tsawwassen Optometry Clinic is at 214-1077 56th St.
For more information about Optometry Giving Sight and the World Sight Day Challenge, visit www. givingsight.org.
