Author: Corinne Waldon

Hello.

This past January, I joined Optometry Giving Sight and couldn’t be happier to support this amazing organization and the thousands of people we serve in the United States, Canada and around the world. Although we do a lot of amazing work, one of the greatest OGS success stories is the committed staff who have been leading our organization, some for more than 15 years. Further, the recent addition of Lois Schoenbrun as our new Executive Director brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our organization. We are so excited to welcome her to the OGS family!

This monthly newsletter will provide you with a snapshot of a donor/practice and a grantee. It is important that you feel the impact of your dollars. We are unable to reach the thousands we help serve each year and provide, on a sustainable basis, the gift of sight to underserved individuals and communities around the world without you. YOU help ensure that no child or adult in need of vision services goes without. Thank you is never enough for all you do. For now, it will have to be enough. More to come!

With appreciation,

Sharyn J. Gallatin, Esq.

Director of Development, 

North America

Donor Practice Spotlight – Mountain View Optometry

Drs. Tom Wilk and Michele Naruszewicz of Calgary, Alberta, Canada have been longstanding OGS supporters for over fifteen years. During that time, through their participation in the World Sight Day Challenge, they have donated thousands to OGS. Their commitment to providing sustainable solutions to preventing blindness and improving vision impairment is an example for all. OGS is extremely grateful to both of them and their entire staff for all they do to help our profession and the thousands we serve.

Grantee Spotlight – Ohio Optometric Foundation

In last year’s grant cycle, with funding provided by OGS, the Ohio Optometric Foundation was able to procure two sets of mobile equipment. This equipment was put to use at a community event in Fulton County, Ohio, where 31 people (7 children and 24 adults) received free eye exams. This a great example of the impact of your dollars helping closer to home. Without this funding, these people would have continued to be in need of vision exams. YOUR support ensured they were received high quality vision care. In the years to come, with your continued support, many more will continue to receive the vital services they need. 

OGS to Launch More Light Spring Campaign

Next month, we launch our More Light campaign that celebrates the season of light, warmth and hope with less darkness. In that spirit, and through the gift of sight, we will continue to fundraise to support our partners as we all seek to end preventable blindness on a global and sustainable level. The campaign runs from April 5th to June 21st. To make a donation to the spring campaign, please visit givingsight.org/morelight. 

Thank You to CooperVision Rebate Program Participants

A HUGE thank you to all the donors who support Optometry Giving Sight through the CooperVision Rebate Program. Your giving has a powerful impact. We are excited to share that since inception, this program has raised over $1.4 million to fund projects that support sustainable eye care solutions in underserved communities around the world.

The CooperVision Rebate Program is for residents of the United States and Canada. If you wear CooperVision contact lenses and have a rebate opportunity (varies according to specific brand), please consider supporting Optometry Giving Sight by donating all or a portion of your rebate amount.  Details are available from your eye doctor or at https://coopervision.com/coopervision-rebate.

2022 Grant Application is Now Open!

OGS invites qualified organizations with a focus on activities with long-term sustainability to apply for a 2022 grant. We fund organizations that focus on the following:

• Programs involving optometry where there is a clear outline of optometry’s involvement and benefits to the program
• Establish or support optometry schools, eye clinics, vision centers and optical labs
• Deliver eye exams and low or no-cost glasses to underserved or marginalized populations that also contain a strong education and training component
• Integrated, long-term programs with a view towards sustainability
• Service delivery tied to education and/or the development of optometry

The online application closes on April 22nd at midnight Central Standard Time. Please note that this will be the only funding cycle in 2022. Visit givingsight.org/funding for further information.

OGS Beacon of Light Reception

On June 15, 2022, Optometry Giving Sight will honor donors, both corporate and individual, who have given more than $100,000 to OGS over the lifetime of the organization. The OGS Beacon of Light Reception will be held at the Chicago Oyster House from 4-6 pm with the program occurring within the first hour.

This event will also feature the launch of our Visionary Circle (formally Chairman’s Club), our group of donors who make an annual gift of $10,000 or more to OGS. These donors are a dedicated group who understand that they have the power to change people’s lives in a stunning way with a sustained commitment and are models of generosity and loyalty. 

We hope you will join us in Chicago for this evening of celebration. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased at givingsight.org/beacon. In honor of your colleagues, please consider purchasing an advertisement in our digital tribute book that range from $1,000 to $5,000. They may be purchased at givingsight.org/beacon

Grantee Spotlight

OGS is proud to partner with organizations on a global level to provide funding for projects needed to reduce preventable blindness and impaired vision. One such organization is the Seva Foundation. Their Eyeglasses in Nepal Project seeks to address the need for increased refractive error services and to increase access to service points supplied with good quality eyeglasses which are staffed by qualified individuals.

Alisha is one recipient of this project. She is a 10-year old girl in 4th grade who lives with her mother and little sister. Her family has a difficult life in Jorsalla due to divorce, health problems and unemployment.

Alisha began to notice eye-related problems over a year ago but said nothing due to the financial constraints of her family. Her performance in school decreased dramatically due to her vision impairment. Her mother and grandfather began to notice but, due to financial hardship, including lack of bus fare to get to the hospital, her hypermetropia remained unaddressed.

When the YLOP Phase II conducted a school screening program at Alisha’s school, she was able to get her eyes checked. Once the team realized her urgent need for proper eye care and glasses, they helped Alisha with transportation to the hospital to receive the medical treatment she needed. Now Alisha can read and perform well in school due to the treatment she received.

Support Optometry Giving Sight When You Shop on Amazon Smile

Did you know that you can support Optometry Giving Sight when you shop on Amazon Smile? When you designate OGS as your charitable organization, we receive 0.5% of eligible purchases. Click the link below and start shopping today!

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/27-0131388