Lions Clubs International, a charity dedicated to providing humanitarian aid across the world, is thanking SpaMedica hospitals for their support with improving global eye health this World Optometry Day.
World Optometry Day took place on Sunday 23rd March, with the theme ‘Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.’ Employees from SpaMedica, one of the UK’s leading independent providers of NHS ophthalmology services, have been supporting The Lions Clubs’ ‘Recycle for Sight’ initiative by encouraging patients to donate glasses they no longer need after cataract surgery. The glasses are given to visually impaired people who otherwise could not afford to access eye care.
Donated glasses.
To date, more than a million glasses have been donated to the charity and sorted by a small team of volunteers, all avoiding landfill. Sanitised and graded glasses are redistributed around the world by the charity, bringing better vision to people in countries such as Chad, Mali, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Nigeria, and Nepal. Lions Clubs work directly with local eye care professionals and health organisations to make sure the appropriate glasses are given to people in need.
Brigitte Green MJF, Lions Clubs National Headquarters Manager, says it is the perfect opportunity to highlight their mission and celebrate the support they have received: “The personal efforts of individual employees and teams at SpaMedica hospitals across the country have played a key role in supporting those in need around the world. On World Optometry Day, we extend our sincere thanks for their incredible support.
“Partnerships like these help us provide much needed glasses, in a sustainable way, to people who would otherwise have no access to vision care. This work truly changes the lives of individuals and their families and is helping to shape whole communities.”
For many, receiving a pair of eyeglasses is transformative, opening educational and employment opportunities, improving daily life, and fostering greater independence.
Tom Fellows, SpaMedica’s Head of Policy and Value Proposition, says World Optometry Day serves as a reminder of the importance of eye care: "We are incredibly proud of our teams who have taken the initiative to support causes that improve global eye health. Their commitment to making a meaningful impact is truly inspiring.
“It is important to recognise that the ability to see clearly is life changing. Those with good vision often take it for granted, those without it can understand how debilitating it can be. We’re honoured to have employees who understand the importance of what Lions Clubs International does and are passionate about ensuring access to eye care for those who need it most."
SpaMedica supports a number of initiatives to provide better access to eye health. The company recently donated materials and supplies to help with an eye-health mission in Jordan, supporting refugees from Syria and Gaza. It also launched a new partnership with The Macular Society this month to help fund ground-breaking research and vital support services for patients who have been diagnosed with macular disease.
For more information contact spamedica@thetoniccomms.co.uk
