Today is World Sight Day – and also the fifth and final day of Peter Ryan’s run from Malin Head to Mizen Head. Peter is to cover the stretch between Millstreet and Mizen Head today. Today’s distance is approximately 119km – the run is in aid of NCBI and the funds raised will be used to purchase a mobile information unit. The “Vision Van” will visit locations all over Ireland providing information and advice on vision related issues.
Campion Insurance are sponsoring Peter’s Run and the public can support the even on the iDonate platform – a total of €47, 500 has been raised so far by the Drombane native and former Paralympian.
Peter suffers from a rare genetic condition called Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. This condition, diagnosed when he was 19 has led to the loss of 90% of Peters vision making his run from one end of the country to the other all the more remarkable.
World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October, is a global event meant to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment – this year the focus is on helping people understand the importance of protecting their vision in the workplace. Optometry Ireland is calling on employers to ensure good eye health in the workplace – and support the well-being and productivity of employees.
Further information on World Sight Day is available on the website www.iapb.org/world-sight-day/.
