GOLDEN, Colo.—Now in its 9th year, and coordinated by Optometry Giving Sight, the World Sight Day Challenge invites eyecare professionals, their staff, patients, industry partners and students of optometry to raise funds throughout September and October to help the 600 million people around the world who are needlessly vision impaired. Registration is now open at www.givingsight.org.

“Participation in the Challenge is fun and easy to do,” said Clive Miller, CEO of Optometry Giving Sight. “Whether you choose to write a check, purchase a wristband, become a monthly donor, run a practice promotion, such as I Care & Share, or get involved in fundraising, this is the time when the global optometric profession and industry rallies together to ensure that all people can gain access to the vision care they need.”

Miller said that fundraising activities in the practice, office or school are always a highlight of the campaign. “Last year, we saw practitioners shaving their heads; practice staff proudly wearing their T-shirts throughout October; companies finding creative ways to engage their staff and management (having the boss wash a staff member’s car is always worth paying for); patients joining in the fun, and students trying to win the Global Fundraising School of the Year Award,” he said.

World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. It is coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) as part of the VISION 2020 Global Initiative. It is supported by eye health organizations around the world, including Optometry Giving Sight, and is included on the official World Health Organization (WHO) calendar. This year’s World Sight Day is on Oct. 8 and the call to action is Eye Care for All.

“The World Sight Day Challenge is an excellent opportunity for our office to let our patients and local community know that we contribute to the global cause of vision loss worldwide," said Dr. Tammy Tully of Seaside Eye Associates Vision Source (S.E.A.), Myrtle Beach, S.C.

"We help people to see every day at Linden Optometry, but with Optometry Giving Sight we can help others around the world receive the eyecare they need to be successful in life. We are thrilled to be a part of the World Sight Day Challenge," said Steve Linden of Linden Optometry, A P.C., in Pasadena, Calif.

To donate, or pledge your participation by selecting either a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Award level, visit www.givingsight.org or call 888 OGS GIVE. Optometry Giving Sight has T-shirts and wristbands for purchase and materials to help you promote your involvement in the practice, at work or at school.