Khyber Eye Foundation
Sight is the Basic Human Right
Khyber Eye Foundation Celebrates World Sight Day 2024 with Symbolic Walk, Free Eye Camp, and Awareness Drive
Peshawar, October 10, 2024 – Today, the Khyber Eye Foundation celebrated World Sight Day 2024 with a series of events aimed at raising public awareness about eye health and addressing the challenges of preventable blindness. World Sight Day, observed every year on the second Thursday of October, focuses on global eye health issues, and this year, Khyber Eye Foundation took the lead in promoting the cause in Peshawar with a proactive approach to reaching the public.
The day’s activities began early in the morning at 8:00 AM with a symbolic walk led by the entire staff of Khyber Eye Foundation. The purpose of this walk was to emphasize the importance of eye health and to educate the general public about the risks associated with vision impairment and other ocular conditions. With banners in hand, the participants walked through the streets, sending a strong message about the need to prioritize eye health in daily life.
The World Sight Day 2024 banner, carried by the participants, prominently displayed the global theme of this year’s event and served as a reminder of the critical role that good vision plays in overall well-being. The symbolic walk not only caught the attention of the local community but also inspired conversations about the importance of regular eye check-ups and addressing eye health concerns early to avoid preventable blindness.
Following the walk, the Khyber Eye Foundation organized a Free Eye Camp at the Peshawar Press Club. The free camp was specifically aimed at journalists and members of the press, many of whom participated in the symbolic walk as well. This collaboration with the media was part of the Foundation’s strategy to further amplify awareness and ensure that key messages about eye health reached a wider audience through news coverage and reporting.
At the camp, a team of skilled ophthalmologists and eye care professionals provided free eye checkups to the journalists. This initiative was part of the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that those who work tirelessly to inform the public also have access to necessary health care services. The checkups were comprehensive, covering essential tests for vision clarity, ocular pressure, and general eye health to detect any underlying issues that might require further attention.
To support the journalists in maintaining their vision health, the Khyber Eye Foundation distributed free medicines and eye-glasses to those in need. These resources were made available to ensure that the journalists could address any diagnosed conditions immediately, thereby preventing more serious complications in the future. The provision of these services without cost reflects the Foundation’s mission of providing affordable and accessible eye care to all segments of society.
The event was marked by another symbolic walk, this time with the journalists joining hands with the Khyber Eye Foundation team to highlight the need for collective efforts in fighting preventable blindness. The walk not only strengthened the bond between the media and the Foundation but also sent a powerful message to the wider public about the importance of community-driven initiatives for public health causes.
Speaking on the occasion, a representative from Khyber Eye Foundation stated, “We are proud to celebrate World Sight Day 2024 with such an impactful series of events. Eye health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, yet it is often neglected. Through our walk, free camp, and awareness efforts, we hope to inspire people to take better care of their eyes and to make regular eye checkups a priority.”
The day concluded with a renewed commitment from the Khyber Eye Foundation to continue its efforts to fight avoidable blindness through community outreach, medical camps, and collaboration with key partners and stakeholders. The Foundation has long been at the forefront of providing essential eye care services in the region and has helped thousands of people regain their vision through cataract surgeries, vision screenings, and preventative care.