NEW YORK —Today is World Sight Day and thousands of optometrists, their staff, patients, staff of optical companies and optometry students across Australia, Canada, the U.S., U.K, Ireland and Norway are taking part in the World Sight Day Challenge.

Optometrists are raising funds for Optometry Giving Sight (OSG) by donating their eye exam fees, making a donation, having a practice celebration or inviting their patients to make a donation.

Around 50 optical companies will be celebrating with their staff and raising funds; while students at more than 30 Schools of Optometry will be raising funds and awareness among their peers.

“Thank you to everyone who is participating in the World Sight Day Challenge,” said Dr. Vic Connors, CEO, Optometry Giving Sight USA. “It is inspiring to hear so many people excited about raising funds to help support sustainable vision care programs. There are 670 million people worldwide who are blind or vision impaired—simply because they don’t have access to an eye exam and glasses.” Directed to projects in 18 countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia, OSG guarantees that 85 percent of all funds raised by ODs and their patients go directly to programs that give sight to those most in need.

Optometry Giving Sight is a joint initiative of the World Optometry Foundation, the International Centre for Eyecare Education and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. National industry sponsors include CIBA Vision, the Brien Holden Vision Institute, Marchon, Vision Source and AllAboutVision.com.

The World Sight Day Challenge runs throughout the entire month of October so it isn’t too late to get involved. More info is posted at www.givingsight.org or call 1-888-OGS-GIVE.