Happy World Sight Day! This year’s observance designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for October 8, 2024 focuses the world’s attention on how important it is to protect our eyes and vision, especially for children. The goal is to debunk myths regarding vision and move toward a world where children are free from social stigma associated with wearing glasses or other corrective interventions for their eyes and vision. In celebration of children’s eye health, The Eye-Bank shines a spotlight on two of our Young Ambassadors, Raeya and Reuben, both of whom had their eyesight restored through corneal transplants made possible with donor eye tissue provided by The Eye-Bank.
Raeya, a high school sophomore, received her sight-restoring transplants when she was only six years old. Today, she enjoys playing soccer and hockey, and performing in her high school’s musical productions. Raeya’s special journey to restored eyesight was recently featured in an Eye-Bank testimonial video.
Reuben, who is now in eighth grade, received his sight-restoring transplants when he was an infant. Today, he enjoys studying the way machines work, listening to music and spending time outdoors exploring the beauty of nature.
Both Raeya and Reuben have expressed their gratitude for receiving the gift of sight by creating works of art for The Eye-Bank’s annual holiday card celebrating Thanksgiving. Each year, The Eye-Bank is proud to feature the artwork of talented young cornea transplant recipients and showcase how the generosity of eye donors can provide individuals of all ages who suffer from corneal blindness with a better quality of life and a brighter future.
We remain committed to providing safe donor eye tissue to children in need, and remind all parents to schedule regular eye exams for the whole family to ensure everyone has healthy, clear eyes and can see the world around them.