On 9 October, World Sight Day, Eyes of the world coordinated various commemorative activities: from an inspiring charity event in Barcelona with international outreach and projection, to multiple activities involving participation in projects in Mozambique and Bolivia.
In Barcelona, where the Foundation is based, the famous Sagrada Familia basilica was lit up in blue to mark World Sight Day and highlight the work of Eyes of the world. From 8 p.m. onwards, all eyes were on the solidarity lighting of its façade to support the defence of the universal right to sight and raise awareness of the Foundation’s fight against avoidable blindness. As the action took place at such an iconic monument, it had an international impact and received recognition from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).
In Mozambique, a health fair was held in the district of Massinga, attended by local authorities. Visitors to the fair benefited from free eye examinations, as well as access to optical services, blood pressure checks and nutritional support activities. In addition, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Eyes of the world and other organisations working in the area, produced a video to raise awareness of retinoblastoma among the Mozambican population.
In Bolivia, numerous activities were carried out in coordination with public health institutions, municipal governments, educational organisations, and entities specialising in eye health. In the department of Tarija, the actions carried out in the municipality of Uriondo aimed at promoting eye health care, especially among women, children and adolescents, were noteworthy: a student fair, a story contest to raise awareness about eye health, and the donation of corrective lenses to students. In the municipality of Entre Ríos, a large student walk served to promote eye care and prevention habits. The activity was broadcast on local radio and television.
In Challapata, a Bolivian municipality in Oruro, a walk was also held, in addition to an eye health fair in coordination with SEDES Oruro. Eyes of the world and the National School of Health conducted visual acuity tests and strengthened education on visual health and the prevention of eye diseases through recreational activities and informational material.
In La Paz, 681 students underwent visual screening, 126 of whom were referred to the National Institute of Ophthalmology and 120 pairs of corrective glasses were distributed. A campaign was also carried out targeting working mothers who, for work reasons or lack of resources, had difficulty accessing an ophthalmological consultation. In addition, an eye health fair was held with activities to raise awareness about eye care and a space dedicated to raising awareness about visual impairment and inclusion.
In total, 2,194 women and 1,870 men participated in person in the activities in Bolivia, and more than 87,000 people were reached through the media.
