Did you know that 75% of visual impairments throughout the world are avoidable with access to glasses or surgeries, and 90% of visually impaired people live in low- and middle-income countries[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 110,000 people who do not have access to eye care.
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.
IRIS Mundial supports its partners through its Programs for the Prevention and Fight against Blindness (PPFB) in Haiti and Senegal. For several years, these initiatives have enabled adults and children in the targeted areas to access a comprehensive, quality eye care system. This is all thanks to the contribution of generous donors and committed volunteers (Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and Opticians) who offer their professional expertise, time, and availability.
In addition to these programs, IRIS Mundial carries out one-time projects around the world to provide visual care in regions where no services are available. In order to reach the most vulnerable people, IRIS Mundial is presently carrying out a mobile clinic in the department of Podor in Senegal, during which various villages far from major urban centers are being visited by our volunteer professionals so that over 1,000 people can benefit from a complete eye examination and receive a pair of prescription glasses if necessary.
If you want to make a small gesture to help IRIS Mundial during the month of February, come see us in an IRIS store near you to choose your new pair of glasses and help someone see the world better! Last year, IRIS donated $94,880 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)