Mackay helps in fight for sight

IT CAN cost as little as $25 to perform sight-restoring surgery.

IT CAN cost as little as $25 to perform sight-restoring surgery.

So $80,000 raised by Specsavers, with the help of Mackay residents, will go a long way toward restoring the sight of people in remote parts of Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Specsavers stores around Australia donated $5 from every eye test to the foundation from August 27 to 31.

"We're absolutely delighted with the amount of money we've managed to raise for the Fred Hollows Foundation," Mackay Canelands optometrist Adam McDougall said.

"More than 16,000 people around the country dropped into Specsavers stores to have their eyes checked and support the cause, and we had a great response in Mackay Canelands.

"The community has really got behind the new partnership between Specsavers and the foundation and the huge turnout for eye tests over the five-day period was a great testament to that.

"To make a difference to the lives of those suffering from avoidable blindness is very rewarding and we're thrilled that so many people in the community got involved."

Fred Hollows Foundation founding director Gabi Hollows said the donation would have a significant impact on the foundation's work.

"We're extremely grateful for the funds raised, which will help us restore sight in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region."

Originally published as Mackay helps in fight for sight