The Reds will take to the pitch at Anfield on Saturday wearing the Seeing is Believing logo on their shirts for the iconic fixture against Manchester United – two days after World Sight Day.
More than 253million people around the world suffer from visual impairment issues, but up to 80 per cent of cases can be prevented or cured.
This season marks the sixth in succession that Standard Chartered and LFC have come together to support Seeing is Believing, with the partnership raising almost £300,000 through fan contributions, auction proceeds and bank matching.
Standard Chartered has focused on eliminating avoidable blindness since 2003 and has reached more than 150million people through medical interventions, eye exams and eye health education. Since inception, Seeing is Believing has run 166 projects across 36 countries.
To amplify awareness, build support for Seeing is Believing and increase anticipation for the match, Standard Chartered has also launched a 360 binaural audio matchday experience.
This audio piece, titled ‘Number 64 – Hear the Kop roar’ has been put together with the help of visually impaired Liverpool FC fan Pat Rodaway.
Through this audio experience recorded live at Anfield, all fans around the world – regardless of visual ability – can experience the passion of the Kop singing You’ll Never Walk Alone, the song that became the club’s anthem in 1964 and is represented by the title Number 64 for the audio piece.
Number 64 forms part of Standard Chartered’s season-long content series celebrating ‘The Power of Numbers’ that commemorates the Reds’ 125th anniversary.
Following the meeting with United, there will be a series of online charity auctions on Charity Stars in support of Seeing is Believing, where fans and supporters will be able to bid for limited edition matchday shirts signed by the players.
All donations will be matched by Standard Chartered and mobilised to win the fight against avoidable blindness globally.
David Fein, chairman of Seeing is Believing and group general counsel at Standard Chartered, said: “I am inspired by the amazing support that Seeing is Believing continues to receive from Liverpool FC.
“Eighty-nine per cent of avoidable blindness occurs in low and middle income countries, affecting many of the communities in which Standard Chartered operates.
“This initiative is making a tangible difference to the lives of millions of people around the world, and Liverpool FC’s support brings us one step closer to eradicating avoidable blindness.”
Billy Hogan, chief commercial officer and managing director at LFC, added: “We are delighted to partner with Standard Chartered for a sixth year to support Seeing is Believing.
“By building awareness about visual impairment amongst our players and fans, I am sure we can progress the fight against avoidable blindness and improve the lives of millions globally.”
Globally, an estimated 36million people are blind, and a further 217million suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment, yet in four out of five cases blindness can be prevented or treated.
Through simple treatments and affordable surgeries, it is possible to transform the lives of both children and adults, benefiting not only those who receive treatment but also their families.
Fans will be able to bid for the limited edition items from Saturday’s game on Charity Stars until Thursday November 2, with all money raised going towards Seeing is Believing.
Click here for more information about Seeing is Believing.
Click here for more information on Standard Chartered’s ‘Power of Numbers’ campaign.