Miracles Day: How you can give the gift of sight-saving surgery

Globally, 94 million people need a cataract operation. This Miracles Day, Aussies are being urged to help give the gift of sight-saving surgery with a $33 donation.

Catie McGarraghy.

Australians are being urged to give just $33 to help restore the sight of 52,000 disadvantaged people in need of a miracle cataract surgery.

That’s the goal of CBM’s annual Miracles Day, which takes place on August 18, and aims to highlight the 94 million people around the world in need of a cataract operation.

The disability development organisation’s chief executive Jane Edge says cataracts are one of the world’s leading causes of blindness, with most of those affected living in countries where surgery is often out of reach.

“CBM is working on the ground with its partners to ensure children and adults, who could experience irreparable damage if surgery was delayed, are able to still receive surgery,” Edge says.

Last year, CBM provided eye screening, examination, treatment and surgeries to 310,000 people in countries including Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines and Bangladesh.

This Miracles Day, Australians are being urged to give just $33 to help restore the sight of disadvantaged people.

Since Miracles Day began a decade ago, Australians have given more than 300,000 miracles of sight-saving surgery.

“Miracles Day gives us the opportunity to help change someone’s life for less than it would cost to go out to a movie or a meal with a friend,” Edge says.

“For many of us, it is a small sacrifice, but that one act has a huge impact – giving someone living in poverty the surgery they desperately need to restore their sight. It’s something that will change their life forever.”

Melbourne’s Catie McGarraghy, 12, has decided to wear an eye patch for a week to help raise funds. She is also donating two months of pocket money towards her $330 goal.

“I decided to wear the eye patch to experience what it’s like for people who are blind in one eye and the struggles they go through daily,” McGarraghy says.

“When I saw an 11-year-old boy named Curtis last year, cleaning out wheelie bins to raise money for Miracles Day, I thought it was really selfless and it inspired me to do something.

“If I get to $330, that’s 10 surgeries – and 10 people whose lives will be changed forever.”

To donate, call 131 226, visit miraclesday.com.au or scan the QR code below.

QR code for editorial use.

Originally published as Miracles Day: How you can give the gift of sight-saving surgery