The holiday season offers an opportunity to reflect on generosity, compassion and the joy of giving. Operation Eyesight, an international development organization based in Calgary, invites Canadians to give a truly meaningful gift this year – the gift of sight. For just $20, donors can help restore vision for individuals in
low- and middle-income countries, helping them lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Operation Eyesight’s annual campaign offers physical and digital greeting cards that notify recipients of the donation made in their name. The cards, which include a gift tag and personal note option, feature people who have received the gift of sight. It’s a way to share a meaningful gift and to avoid the stress of shopping and busy malls. Sending ecards bypasses postal delays.
“It’s such a simple way to make a real impact,” says Robyn Wilson, Manager of Donor Relations at Operation Eyesight. "For many people around the world, accessing eye health care is a challenging journey. Restoring sight can be life-changing."
Stories of transformation
Wilson points to the inspiring story of Anastasia, a small business owner in Ghana. Struggling with poor vision, she would give incorrect change to customers, jeopardizing her livelihood. Thanks to Operation Eyesight’s screening camps and the generosity of donors, Anastasia received the care she needed to reclaim her independence and sustain her business.
“These stories highlight the ripple effect of restoring vision,” Wilson says. “It’s not just about eyesight; it’s about dignity, education and the ability to provide for one’s family.”
A unique holiday gift
This year, in addition to the physical cards, ecards and gift tags featuring gift of sight stories, there are blank colouring cards for children, encouraging families to have conversations about giving back.
“The cards are a great way to engage children and start discussions about global issues,” Wilson notes. “It can teach the next generation the importance of helping others.”
Addressing global challenges
For more than 60 years, Operation Eyesight has worked to eliminate avoidable vision loss. Vision loss affects 1.1 billion people worldwide, 90 per cent of which is preventable or treatable with interventions as simple as glasses or cataract surgery. The organization’s unique approach focuses on empowering local communities through training and partnerships with hospitals and governments.
“Our model builds on the capacity of local organizations,” Wilson explains. “We train people living in remote areas, enabling communities to take ownership of their eye care. It’s a sustainable solution.”
How to get involved
Donors can visit operationeyesight.com/giftofsight to make their contribution and select from the variety of greeting cards offered. Digital ecards are delivered instantly, while physical cards will be mailed as soon as the current postal strike ends. A free holiday activity book for kids is also available for download, featuring games and puzzles that teach about eye health.
With their goal to declare 2,900 communities free of avoidable blindness by 2028, Operation Eyesight’s work is more urgent than ever. “The need for eye care is growing,” Wilson says. “Every donation helps us reach more people and change more lives.”