Columbia, SC – Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed Thursday, October 14, 2021 World Sight Day and encourages all South Carolinians to recognize the vital role eye health plays in a brighter future and improved quality of life.
In a recent proclamation from the Governor’s Office McMaster cited the staggering statistic that approximately 1.1 billion people worldwide, including over 138,000 South Carolinians, experience vision loss, primarily because they do not have access to eye care services. Experts at the American Foundation for the Blind estimate that number will double by 2030 without effective intervention given the rapidly increasing aging population. World Sight Day provides a forum to address these issues and showcase the importance of vision and eye health.
World Sight Day (WSD) is an international day of awareness, held annually on the second Thursday of October to focus attention on the global issue of eye health. This year World Sight Day falls on October 14th, 2021.
Eye health impacts education, employment, quality of life, poverty and so many other aspects of our daily lives. Adequate eye health is essential for sustainable communities. Unaddressed poor vision results in a global economic productivity loss of $411 billion per annum, including a more than $2 billion impact in South Carolina alone.
This WSD Lions Vision Services is co-hosting a Lunch & Learn session with Greenville CAN and The Barbara Stone Foundation from 12:00-1:00pm at the Kroc Center in Greenville, SC on Thursday, October 14th, 2021. During the event LVS President & CEO, Daniel Prohaska, will talk about how LVS works to eliminate preventable blindness and deliver resources to the blind and visually impaired.
This is a free event open to the public, however registration is required. You can register online at www.lionsvisionservices.org or at www.greenvillecan.org/lunch-and-learn-series. Lunch will be generously provided by Carolina Drive In.
LVS invites everyone to take three sight-saving steps for themselves, for others and for their communities:
1. For Yourself – Schedule an eye exam today
2. For Others – Donate to LVS and help give the gift of sight!
3. For Your Community – Ask your Member of Congress to support vision and eye health policies by becoming a part of the Congressional Vision Caucus (CVC)
Congressman Congressman Ralph Norman has already pledged to join the CVC.
“Almost everyone will need access to eyecare services during their lifetime, and 90% of all vision loss is preventable or treatable,” said Daniel Prohaska, President & CEO of Lions Vision Services. “I applaud Governor McMaster’s World Sight Day Proclamation and encourage all South Carolinians to use this year’s World Sight Day to show your love for your eyes by making eye health a priority for you and your community. We must all collectively keep our eyes on a healthy, vibrant community.”
Lions Club leaders from across the state attend the World Sight Day Program led by LVS at the Kroc Center in Greenville as part of the Greenville CAN Lunch & Learn series sponsored by The Barbara Stone Foundation.
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About Lions Vision Services
Lions Vision Services (LVS) was created by the Lions Clubs of South Carolina in 1969 and exists today to empower the under-served blind and visually impaired in South Carolina to live safe, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. LVS offers a range of programs and services to low-income South Carolina residents who apply for need-based financial assistance with obtaining affordable eye surgeries, low vision equipment, health screenings, and hearing aids. To learn more about LVS’s services, visit www.lionsvisionservices.org.