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Many people like going that extra mile for something they passionately believe in, but occasionally you find someone inspired to take that extra mile in an unusual direction.
670 million people - 10% of the world's population - are disadvantaged by poor vision and a lack of glasses. Vision Aid Overseas are determined to change this- their mission statement is a simple one; they "work for a world in which everyone has access to eyecare and glasses".
It is this no nonsense approach to aim high that has seen them going from strength to strength for the past 25 years, and has attracted the loyal and passionate support of volunteers working in the Optical sector across the UK. But it is refreshing to see instances where VAO's work has similarly inspired an Optometrist to "aim high".
Asim Hyder is one such Optometrist who has taken the challenge to dive into uncharted territory in order to raise money for Vision Aid Overseas' work by volunteering to take part in a Charity Skydive to raise awareness, as well as much needed money used to help set up eye clinics and vision centres in parts of the world where they are so desperately needed.
His aim is to raise £1,000 and he is just over half way there through the generous support of friends and colleagues, so we thought we'd highlight his planned jump which will be taking place "10,000 feet somewhere over Swindon", on 19th June- as we're sure that more of you will dig deep for such a worthy cause, and such a brave idea!
"I've been abseiling, sailing and canoeing before, but have never done anything as life-endangering as jumping out of a plane from 10,000ft!! I've heard it's a really exhilarating experience, and have always planned to do it sometime, and could only jump at the chance (excuse the pun!) to do it in order to help VAO!"
"I think what they do is amazing, and I'm fully committed to going on an overseas expedition in the next year. I know several people who have been on VAO expeditions in the past and have heard that it is a life-changing experience. Being able to bring happiness to a community with some old glasses people in this country simply discard is theoretically quite simple, but can be a logistical nightmare, so seeing the smiles on those peoples' faces makes it all worthwhile!"
Vision Aid overseas do seem completely undaunted by logistical nightmares, as they are borne up by the passion that their volunteers have for eye health and improving the lives of others - which is the reason most Optometrists repeatedly tell is what attracted them to studying Optometry in the first place - to have a real impact on the quality of life for people. And it's this unwavering dedication to making a real difference that has made Vision Aid Overseas a popular charity with Optometrists who are keen to use their skills where most needed.
"The way I see my role as an optometrist is to help people see better," Asim says, "and I love doing it on a daily basis, but there are so many people who don't even have the opportunity to the basic eyecare we all take for granted in this country. I really want to be able to help the people who need to be helped!"
What Vision Aid Overseas and its professional volunteers have shown is that something as simple as a pair of glasses with the correct prescription can turn such potential despair into hope. Eyecare services are beyond the reach of most people in the developing world and sometimes it is easy for people in the UK to take for granted a service that is incredibly accessible here.
"I've had a lot of friends and patients say that i'm 'mad' for doing it, but the way I see it, it's for the best cause and if I can really make a difference to the world then it's totally worth doing! I am, however, getting a little bit anxious with all the 'break-a-leg' comments I've been getting! Ha!"
At Resourcing, are hoping to urge everyone to consider how you can help support Asim, and Vision Aid Overseas in their goals. You can sponsor Asim on the justgiving website at http://www.justgiving.com/Asim-Hyder and also leave him words of encouragement there. Or perhaps you can consider attempting something similar to highlight how people can help - the sky appears to be the limit?