We’ve recently launched our seasonal Sightsavers charity appeal, with the aim of giving vulnerable people across the world the gift of sight this Christmas.
Over 1,500 of our employees across the UK and Ireland have been encouraged to donate between one hour and one day’s pay from their salaries for the cause which will be matched by the company.
Working in over 30 developing countries, Sightsavers aims to prevent and cure blindness, and support those who are visually impaired through education and training. They estimate that there are 39 million blind people globally, more than half of which are due to preventable cataracts. Treatment for cataracts by Sightsavers costs only £30 to deliver, so even small donations can make a real difference to people’s lives.
This is the third year the company has raised money for Sightsavers through its Christmas appeal. David Moulsdale, Chairman and CEO at Optical Express, said: “We are very proud to support the Sightsavers Christmas appeal again this year. The money raised will provide life-changing operations for people across the world. The impact that having good vision has can’t be underestimated, particularly in developing countries.”
Caroline Harper CBE, CEO at Sightsavers, commented: “The majority of the 20 million people blind from cataracts are living in the poorest parts of the world, where accessing the surgery they need is not simple.
“Perhaps they can’t afford it, can’t get to a health centre or a hospital, or don’t know their condition is treatable. For £30 we are able to make a person suffering from cataracts see again. The Optical Express Christmas appeal is a great example of how companies can help to support us in making a difference.”
About Sightsavers
Sightsavers is a registered UK charity (Registered charity numbers 207544 and SC038110) that works in more than 30 developing countries to prevent blindness, restore sight and advocate for social inclusion and equal rights for people with disabilities. www.sightsavers.net
There are 39 million blind people in the world; 80% of all blindness can be prevented or cured.
In the six decades since its foundation, Sightsavers has:
- Supported over 483.4 million treatments for blinding and potentially blinding conditions
- Carried out over 8.4 million operations to restore sight.
- Trained more than 0.5 million primary eye care workers.
- Carried out rehabilitation training for 149,000 blind or low vision beneficiaries.
- Supported 30,000 blind or low vision children to gain a school education.
Sightsavers’ A Million Miracles appeal launches in October 2014 to raise funds over the next three years to perform one million sight-restoring surgeries across Africa and Asia.
For as little as £30, Sightsavers can give someone their sight back through surgery.