Gosford’s Reviver Bar has joined forces with Sure Eye Care Lisarow to raise money for Optometry Giving Sight.
For the past three years, the unlikely combo has raised more money in the annual Highballs for Eyeballs fundraiser than any other fundraising team nationally.
So far the Reviver Bar’s Gordon Ryan and Sure Eye Car’s Amanda Rungis have gathered over $12,000 for the cause.
Optometry Giving Sight is the only global initiative for the prevention of blindness or impaired vision that could have been avoided with a simple eye exam and a pair of glasses.
Held as part of the World Sight Day Challenge, Highballs for Eyeballs is linked to a global campaign established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2000 to reduce preventable blindness.
In Australia, 75 per cent of blindness or vision impairment could have been prevented or treated.
This is an issue that is close to the heart of Highballs for Eyeballs founder and owner of Sure Eye Care, Ms Rungis. Ms Rungis’ grandfather went blind as a result of Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in Australia.
Recent medical advances have led to the condition potentially being preventable and treatable today if caught early enough. “Eyesight is a gift that many people take for granted,” Ms Rungis said.
“Just before he passed away, my grandfather said to his wife that the one thing he missed most was her beautiful face.
“If even one of my patients could see their loved ones for longer than they would have without my care, I have succeeded in what I set out to achieve with Sure Eye Care to correct, enhance and above all, protect people’s vision.”
Supported by a number of local businesses, Highballs For Eyeballs 2015 is on Tuesday, October 20 at Reviver Bar in Mann St, Gosford.
Open to the public, the event will include competitions, a selection of house-made canapés and Reviver’s cocktails, including the event’s signature cocktail, the ‘Green Eyed Girl’.
Media release,
Oct 1, 2015
Phaedra Pym,
Awaywithwords