Orbis Macau launched its annual Action for Sight campaign yesterday at the Macau Science Centre’s Heart-shaped Tree Square in celebration of the World Sight Day.
The launch ceremony was attended by representatives of its five Action for Sight Ambassadors (Bank of China Macau Branch, CTM, Manulife, Sands China, Wynn Resorts) supporting organisations and media partners.
According to a statement from the non-profit organisation, the World Sight Day, which is designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Association of Preventive Blindness (IAPB), is annually observed by Orbis and the international eye health community and focuses on the importance of eye health and raising awareness on global visual impairment and blindness concerns.
The Orbis Action for Sight advocates eye health and care in the local community, while raising resources towards sustaining Orbis’ global sight-saving programmes and sustainable training, the statement noted. This year’s campaign is particularly meaningful as this year marks the 40th anniversary of Flying Eye Hospital’s maiden flight.
Themed “Sharing Celebrations – 40 years of Saving Sight”, the campaign aims to “highlight the celebration and impacts of this life-transforming journey over the last forty years”, while looking ahead as Orbis continues its life-changing journey while promoting eye care and health’s importance to the local community, the statement underlined.
The statement pointed out that a range of advocacy and fundraising initiatives are planned for members of the public and Orbis supporters until December 9, including Orbis Macau’s first virtual exhibition and in-person exhibitions, with the first to start next Tuesday at the Macau Science Centre.
The statement added that the exhibitions will provide a better understanding of Orbis, “its vision and committed effort towards a world where no one will have to live in darkness from avoidable causes”, and some of its key milestones in preventing and treating avoidable blindness.
Moreover, the statement noted that Orbis will again partner with Kiang Wu Hospital to organise an online survey until November 15 and an “Information Sharing and Eye Care Health Talk” in December. The survey’s theme, the statement said, is “Eye Floaters”, aiming to enhance public awareness on the well-being of their eyes. The survey can be done at https://www.orbis.org/mo-eyesurvey.
“Eye Floaters” are an age-related condition”, but has affected the younger generation in recent years, Orbis said.
Orbis Macau Director of Development Isabel da Silva also thanked the Action for Sight Ambassadors, supporting organisations and media partners for their support, as well as for the generosity of donors and dedicated partners.
The statement urged members of the public to join the efforts by supporting the campaign and “help raise vital funds towards Orbis’ ongoing effort to build a legacy of quality eye care in low- and middle-income countries”.
Donations can be made in person, online at https://orbismacau.shoppoint.mo/en or by contacting Orbis Macau to explore additional fundraising activities. Those donating 100 patacas or above can collect one of the two limited designed Action for Sight 2022 badges. More information can be found at https://www.orbis.orf/mo-afs-en and Orbis’ Facebook, Instagram and WeChat accounts.
This handout photo provided by Orbis Macau shows its Director of Development Isabel da Silva (third from left) posing with representatives of the five Action for Sight Ambassadors.
A member of Orbis Macau shows some of the limited design Action for Sight 2022 badges for donors giving at least 100 patacas. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
