On the occasion of World Sight Day, celebrated on the second Thursday of October, the ‘See to Grow’ initiative carried out a significant social action in Barcelona. On this day, the vision of 82 people in vulnerable situations was checked at the Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu facilities on Numancia Street. This activity was made possible thanks to the collaboration of three optometrists and an optical assistant, all volunteers from the Cione Ruta de la Luz Foundation.
This day, promoted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), aims to raise awareness about visual health and blindness prevention. Professionals from Sant Joan de Déu Social Services selected the beneficiaries of the day, prioritizing those with vision problems, so they could receive detailed evaluations and, eventually, free glasses adapted to their needs.
One of the main concerns detected during the day was the high incidence of uncorrected presbyopia, especially in adults over 40 years old. This condition affects near vision and can be highly disabling, affecting both work performance and job seeking. Xavi Llobet, one of the volunteer optometrists, emphasized the importance of the new glasses that the beneficiaries will receive in a few days, which could open up new job opportunities for them.
The Cione Ruta de la Luz Foundation has carried out similar initiatives in various places around the world. However, this focus on proximity stands out for its direct impact on vulnerable local communities. Cristina López-Mora, manager of the Ruta de la Luz, highlighted the importance of these actions to improve the quality of life of people who otherwise could not afford adequate glasses.
Among the beneficiaries, A.M. expressed gratitude, stating that they will now be able to navigate better in their daily life, and C.A. mentioned that the new glasses will help with both near and distant vision, facilitating job searches after three years of unemployment.
For Meryalba, a social integrator from Sant Joan de Déu Social Services, the success of the day goes beyond visual health, extending to the social reintegration of these individuals. Tatiana Vilaseca, responsible for alliances at the Sant Joan de Déu Social Work, emphasized the value of these collaborations in dignifying the daily lives of vulnerable people.
Thanks to the support of the Hospital Order of St. John of God in Barcelona, ‘See to Grow’ was a logistical success and a clear example of tangible social action in the local community. Since its inception, the initiative has checked the vision of nearly 4,000 people in Spain, demonstrating a continuous commitment to improving the quality of life of the most in need.
via: MiMub in Spanish
