Did you know that around the world, 90 million children have vision loss because they don't have access to eye care services[1]?
Once again, this year, IRIS stores across Canada are proud to contribute to improving vision for everyone by donating $10 per pair of glasses sold during the month of February to the IRIS Mundial charity. The IRIS Ophthalmology Clinic also agreed to donate $25 per eye surgery performed. The funds raised will be used for the organization's activities, which since 2001 have changed the lives of more than 102,000 people who do not have access to eye care.
Indeed, IRIS Mundial's mission is to provide quality preventive and curative optometric, optical and ophthalmological services to populations in developing countries and people in need in Canada.
First, IRIS Mundial supports its partners through its Programs for the Prevention and Fight against Blindness (PPFB) in Haiti and Senegal. These initiatives have enabled adults and children in the targeted areas to access a comprehensive quality eye care system for several years. IRIS Mundial's support to its partners takes many forms, from the construction or rehabilitation of community eye clinics, to financial and equipment support, as well as continuing education in the field of eye care.
In addition to these programs, IRIS Mundial carries out one-time projects worldwide. Typically, some 30 Canadian volunteers (optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists and others) participate in these one-time projects and work with local professionals to provide vision care to 2,000 people in a region where no services are available.
According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), 75% of visual impairments throughout the world are avoidable with access to glasses or surgeries, and 89% of visually impaired people live in developing countries. "Poverty is both a cause and a consequence of poor eye health" (IAPB).
If you want to make a small gesture to help them during the month of February, come see us in an IRIS store near you to choose your new pair of glasses! Last year, IRIS donated $92,160 to IRIS Mundial.
We can't wait to announce the total amount they will receive this year!
To find out how you can support IRIS Mundial and learn more about their activities, visit their website or Facebook page.
[1] Source : International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB)
