CBM joins 'Walk for Sight 2017'

©CBM

In celebration of 'Sight Saving Month', CBM and Cataract Foundation, partner for Inclusive Eye Health, joined 'Walk for Sight 2017'.

The Sight Saving Month in the Philippines kicks off this August with the theme ‘Universal Eye Health: No More Avoidable Blindness’. It aims to strengthen public awareness of the importance of proper eye care and the prevention of blindness and eye diseases. The initiative is led by the Department of Health (DOH).

In line with this, CBM, together with its Inclusive Eye Health partner Cataract Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CFPI), the National Committee for Sight Preservation (NCSP), and other relevant stakeholders, joined ‘Walk for Sight 2017’. The activity aims to increase awareness on timely eye check-up to prevent avoidable blindness. Representatives from various organisations, medical centers, and Department of Health offices marched together towards Rizal Park followed by the wreath-laying ceremony at the Dr. Jose Rizal monument. Named as a national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was a Filipino nationalist during the Spanish colonial period and also an eye doctor by profession.

Month-long activities such as dissemination of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, lectures/symposia, radio plugging, press release/statements and others, conduct of eye screening services, and conduct of cataract surgical services will also take place this August.

DOH Secretary Paulyn Ubial, NSCP Chairperson Dr. Noel Chua, and World Health Organisation Representative Dr. Gundo Aurel Weiler graced the event.