"The eye is the jewel of the body"

CALGARY - Close your eyes. Technically, you're blind; you can't see anything. Now empty your pockets of everything in them; loose change, ticket stubs, whatever. Technically, you're also poor; you have just what you're wearing. If you happen to live in countries like Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia or India, being poor AND blind can also be deadly.

But you're not poor, and your not blind, and you live in Canada. No matter how much you complain about what happens here, to millions around the world, we are blessed.

Our blessings are being passed along. Calgary-based Operation Eyesight Universal does it by helping to fight avoidable blindness. For over 50 years, some of the poorest people in developing nations receive eye care and treatment thanks to their community of donors.

With International Development Week (IDW) 2011 approaching (Feb. 6-12), Operation Eyesight continues its focus of sustainable development. This year's "I Am Making a Difference!" theme is in line with the organization's   direct work with African and Indian professionals, communities and governments.

"Canada plays a vital role in international development, and individuals and development organizations like Operation Eyesight are the hands and feet of that effort," said president and CEO Pat Ferguson. "Being blind and poor is a terrible combination. Our organization has seen that bringing and restoring sight to people in need builds healthier, more equitable and more prosperous societies."

Since 1963, Operation Eyesight has helped over 35 million people to either have their eyesight restored or protected. More about the non-profit organization is available at www.operationeyesight.com.

*Title is a Henry David Thoreau quote