OPTOMETRY GIVING SIGHT -

HAITI APPEAL

January 22, 2010 –Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti last week, Optometry Giving Sight has launched an appeal to help some of the most vulnerable victims - those that cannot see clearly without a pair of glasses.

Reports suggest that tens of thousands of people have lost their lives or are injured.  Hundreds of thousands more have lost their homes and their worldly possessions - for many people that includes their glasses.

Imagine trying to rebuild your life and care for your family with what little you have left.  It must be a horrific situation. Now imagine doing that without the glasses that allow you to see clearly. 

Optometry Giving Sight is working with implementing partner organisations, including Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH), the International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE) and the Caribbean Optometrists Association (CARIOA), to identify and fund projects that will provide emergency relief and assist in the reconstruction process through the establishment of sustainable vision care. 

Even before the earthquake, access to vision care for most of Haiti’s population was limited.  In the aftermath, Optometry Giving Sight is committed to funding sustainable, quality vision care services, including the training of local eye care professionals and the establishment of Vision Centres. 

”The impact of visual impairment on the potential for recovery from this human tragedy cannot be underestimated. Quite simply, the loss of or damage to spectacles, and lack of access to vision care facilities across Haiti will be a significant barrier to basic recovery” according to Dr. James Loughman, National Chair of Optometry Giving Sight in Ireland.   

The National Committee of Optometry Giving Sight in Ireland is making this Haiti appeal its immediate priority, and invites individuals in the optical industry, along with their customers and the general public to contribute to long term vision care in Haiti.

This appeal is being coordinated through the offices of the Association of Optometrists, so please donate by:

(a) cheque/bank order/postal order made payable to AOI (Haiti Appeal) and sent to the AOI address below, or

(b) credit card donations to be made by calling the AOI office at 01 4538850.