Re: World Sight Day 2012 - PDF Document

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  1. 18 September, 2012 Re: World Sight Day 2012 – The Right to Sight The Integrated Eye Care Team – Working Together to Eliminate Avoidable Blindness 8th Annual WALK FOR SIGHT Sunday 7th October, 2012, 7:00 am VISION 2020: The Right to Sight is a global initiative of The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). The ultimate goal is the elimination of avoidable blindness by the year 2020. Most blindness is avoidable, being either preventable or treatable. However, WHO and the IAPB estimate that if no action is taken, 100 million people globally will become needlessly blind by the year 2020. World Sight Day is observed on the second Thursday of October every year. Its aim is to reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness and low vision through patient education and health promotion. The Volunteers for World Sight Day (VWSD) is a non-profit, nongovernmental organization which was established in 2005. The VWSD Right to Sight committee is chaired by UWI Lecturer in Ophthalmology, Dr. Desirée Murray. Our emphasis is on raising awareness of the causes of preventable blindness. The Faculty of Medical Sciences, UWI, is proud be associated with WSD observances through its Ophthalmology and Optometry programmes, as UWI aims to fulfil its mandate to positively transform the region. The theme for World Sight Day 2012 is “The Integrated Eye Care Team – Working Together to Eliminate Avoidable Blindness”. In observance of World Sight Day 2012, VWSD is organizing its 8th annual Walk for Sightaround the Queen’s Park Savannah on Sunday 7th October, 2012 at 7:00 am, starting at the car park of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Stanmore Avenue and proceeding clockwise around the Queen’s Park Savannah. Highlights of previous walks can be viewed at the international VISION 2020 website, www.VISION2020.org (WSD Activities Report). Please walk with us on the day. The Walk for Sight is open to everyone. The $20.20 registration fee is a charitable contribution. All advance registrants receive a free commemorative World Sight Day T-shirt and refreshments on the day of the event. There will be free vision screening, performed by optical companies and by UWI students pursuing the undergraduate Optometry programme. Medical doctors specializing in Ophthalmology through the postgraduate Doctor of Medicine programme at the UWI will also be supporting the Walk for Sight.

  2. Proceeds from previous Walk for Sight activities were used to provide a computer, two scanners and a printer for the School for Blind Children. We also provided a wheelchair for the Cantaro Geriatric Home where there are four visually impaired residents, and a brailler for a blind elderly individual. Register now at: Ferreira Optical - Frederick St and Trincity Mall Optometrists Today - West Mall Imperial Optical - Frederick St and Highland Plaza, Glencoe Registration closes on Saturday 29th September, 2012. If you miss your chance to register in advance, you can register on site on the day We are grateful to this year’s sponsors: Transitions Optical Inc. AMCO Eye See You Ophthalmic and Medical Supplies Ltd. Ferreira Optical Limited Oscar Francois Limited Optometrists Today We wish to express our sincere thanks in anticipation of your support as the world commemorates World Sight Day on Thursday October 11th, 2012. Please visit the international website at www.VISION2020.org for updates. We look forward to seeing you at the Walk for Sight2012. Best wishes from The Volunteers for World Sight Day Right to Sight committee. Working Together to Eliminate Avoidable Blindness. . Desirée Murray Chairperson VWSD Lecturer in Ophthalmology, UWI of the walk, starting at 6:00 am.