To celebrate World Sight Day (9 October), Orbis, the international eye care charity, hosted an intimate breakfast event this morning at the historic St Pancras London Hotel, situated in King’s Cross. The gathering brought together high-profile people from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and the arts, as well as content creators and medical experts, to highlight the issue of avoidable sight loss and the ongoing work to ensure everyone has access to eye care.
Guests included bestselling author, broadcaster and charity campaigner Katie Piper OBE,
Escape to the Country presenter Sonali Shah, actress and comedian Nina Wadia OBE and
Great British Sewing Bee 2023 winner Dr Asmaa Al-Allak, and a host of other stars.
Alongside Katie Piper OBE, the event welcomed content creators with lived experience of visual impairment, including visually impaired content creator Sylvia Chengo, and best-selling author and disability activist Dr Amit Patel,
who joined fellow advocates to highlight the need for eye care to be accessible all around the world.
Attendees heard from Orbis spokespeople, including expert ophthalmologists and trustees of the charity Sheraz Daya, the founder of the Centre for Sight, and John Ferris, about the 1.1 billion people living with vision loss,
and the charity’s innovative approaches to providing treatment for those in need.
Guests had their irises photographed at Orbis’s pop-up iris photography stand in King’s Cross Station. Each iris, beautiful and intricate, is a reminder of just how precious sight is – and why Orbis is dedicated to protecting it
all around the world. The photography stand is open to the public until Friday 10 October and participants can have their iris photographed from just £16.
Katie Piper OBE, said: “Access to quality eye care can be truly life-changing, it allows people to regain independence, confidence and connection with the world around them. The work of skilled and
compassionate medical professionals, like the ones who supported me, reminds us how vital it is to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to the same level of care.
“This World Sight Day, I’m supporting Orbis UK in their mission to help communities and children globally who deserve that same gift – ensuring that people across the globe can access the quality eye care when and where they need
it.
“No-one should feel isolated or left behind because of limited access to eye care, surgery and treatment. Together we can help break the cycle of preventable vision loss.”
Sonali Shah, said: “World Sight Day is a time to reflect on the vital importance of accessible eye care and treatment across the globe. I know how important it is,
especially for women and young people, to have the care and support they need to thrive. In India, Orbis is doing exactly that – supporting local doctors to provide life-changing care and treatment for thousands of women and children. It’s amazing to be part
of a campaign that has lasting impact for communities, also offering training opportunities for the country’s next generation of female eye health doctors.”
Nina Wadia OBE, said: “Our sight is often something we take for granted. Yet millions of people are living with vision loss that could be prevented. I’m proud to support Orbis and their mission to make eye care available everywhere,
for everyone – because restoring sight doesn’t just change an individual’s life, it transforms families and communities for generations to come.”