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We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill |
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Judy Canty (author) in Kenya with
the GOS Mission in 1993.
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Regardless of how often we complain about difficult patients and intransigent bosses, few other professions allow its members the opportunity to see the immediate benefits of a thorough eye exam and a well fitted pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses. It has been my experience that most of us are well aware of the fact that we'll probably never become rich in this business. We're in it because, like teaching, it's something we enjoy and it brings a certain amount of satisfaction at the end of the day.
Is there any wonder that there are so many ways we can give back to our communities while continuing to practice our skills?
These are just a few of the many organizations and programs that may pique your interest. I'm sure I've left out some very good ones and for that I apologize.
The point is to become involved before you become immune. |
Lions Clubs International
Founded in 1917, Lions Clubs have provided millions of members worldwide an opportunity to give back to their communities. In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions members to be “knights for the blind in the crusade against darkness.” The average Lions Club provided 719 volunteer service hours to the community, an estimated worldwide total of 32 million volunteer hours. A full 31% of completed projects during 2006-07 involved eyeglass collection and recycling and it was the number one project in the United States. Visit
www.lionsclubs.org to find out more about the organization, and if it's a good match for your talents, give it a try.
New Eyes for the Needy
Since its beginnings in 1932, New Eyes for the Needy has provided improved vision and hope to more than 6.5 million people worldwide. Through a combination of donations, grants, and business partnerships, New Eyes provides new eyeglasses to needy children and adults in the United States and recycled eyewear to developing countries around the world. A $60.00 donation will purchase new eyeglasses for a needy person right here in the US. Headquartered in Short Hills, NY, New Eyes for the Needy also operates a jewelry and gift shop offering some of the best bargains in the area. Find them at
www.neweyesfortheneedy.org.
Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity / International
(VOSH)
This 35-year old non-governmental organization (NGO) is dedicated to providing vision care to those below the poverty level who lack access to local vision services. It is the parent organization to 33 regional and 22 student chapters in the United States, Canada, Honduras, India, Africa, South America and the Netherlands. Its members include Optometrists, Opticians, Ophthalmologists and other volunteers who average between 80 and 90 missions per year serving an average of 100,000 people. VOSH has also established permanent clinics in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Haiti, Mexico and Peru and temporary disaster related centers around the world and at home in New Orleans and Houston following Hurricane Katrina. To find more information on VOSH, visit their website at www.vosh.org.
Optometry Giving Sight (OGS)
Optometry Giving Sight was formed in 2003 to address the needs of 300 million people worldwide who are blind or visually impaired due to their lack of access to vision care. It is a joint initiative of the World Optometry Foundation, the International Centre for Eyecare Education and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. Fully 85% of every dollar raised is used to support programs that give sight to those in need. These programs include providing access to eye exams, eyeglasses and low-vision devices, education for Optometrists and other Eye Care Professionals, and the establishment of eye care clinics and schools of Optometry. To learn more about OGS and their World Sight Day Challenge, visit
www.givingsight.org.
Give the Gift of Sight (GOS)
Founded in 1988, the Gift of Sight is a group of charitable programs designed to bring vision care and eyeglasses to people in need worldwide and in the United States as well. To date, GOS North America has provided free eye exams and eyeglasses to more than 3.5 million children and adults in the US and Canada. In partnership with Lions Clubs International since 1991, GOS International has sponsored 137 missions in 32 countries, providing vision care services to more than 2.5 million people. Because the administrative costs are largely underwritten by Luxottica, 93% of the funds raised go directly to their vision related programs. Their most recent fundraising event was the Eye Rock musical performances by industry members at Vision Expo East in New York City. Attended by more that 500 people, the event raised $65,000 for the Gift of Sight Foundation. Get more information on the Gift of Sight Foundation at
www.givethegiftofsight.com.
EyeCare America
EyeCare America is a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Founded in 1985, its mission is to reduce avoidable blindness and severe visual impairment by creating awareness about eye disease and care, providing free eye health educational materials and facilitating access to medical eyecare. Programs include Senior Eye Care, Diabetic Eye Care, Glaucoma Eye Care, AMD Eyecare and Children's Eye Care. Visit their website,
www.eyecareamerica.org for more information on how you and your practice can become involved.
As a member of Lions Clubs International and also part of the GOS Mission to Kenya in 1993, it has been my great delight to see how many small acts can generate much good in the world.
Before the cynicism created by grumpy patients, back-orders and breakages gets you down, find a way to integrate your passion for your profession and your passion for life.
I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint - and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.
Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine, September 2002 |
