Local optometrist, Celia Vlismas, with practices in Narberth, Crymych and Newcastle Emlyn, is joining the World Sight Day Challenge during the month of October to help give the gift of vision to people in developing countries and underserved communities.

The practices will raise funds for the World Sight Day Challenge by donating £1 for each eye exam carried out in October; to help the 600 million people in the world who are blind or vision impaired simply because they do not have access to an eye exam or glasses.

"I have supported Optometry Giving Sight for many years and am proud to donate to such a worthwhile cause," said Celia. "The World Sight Day Challenge is a great way to help support the millions of people who don't have access to the basic eye care that we can take for granted."

Celia was inspired by stories like that of Loid Semente, who is one of the students training to become an optometrist with the Mozambique Eyecare Project, supported by Optometry Giving Sight. Loid will be one of the first optometrists in her country. She is passionate about optometry because of the significant impact it can have for the people of Mozambique.

"Sight is empowering. For some, access to eye care is the first step towards getting an education, or providing for your family," she said.

Children are especially vulnerable. Providing vision correction to a school-aged child can literally transform their entire life. Just £3 can provide an eye examination and a pair of glasses for someone in a developing country. Celia is also inviting her patients to make a donation at all three practices throughout October.

Optometry Giving Sight guarantees that 85 percent of all funds raised by optometrists and their patients go directly to supporting programmes that give sight to those most in need. Funds raised from World Sight Day Challenge will be directed to projects in 23 countries around the world.