Standard Chartered and LFC join forces to tackle avoidable blindness

Just four days after the global ‘World Sight Day’, the Reds will take to the Anfield pitch wearing the ‘Seeing is Believing’ logo on their shirts for the iconic fixture against Manchester United on Monday October 17.

Although more than 285million people around the world suffer from visual impairment issues, the reality is that up to 80 per cent of cases can be prevented or cured.

This season marks the fifth year that Standard Chartered and LFC have come together to support ‘Seeing is Believing’. To date, the partnership has raised more than £250,000 through fan contributions and auction proceeds.

To celebrate the campaign, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp appears in a special video which highlights the effects of avoidable blindness.

Following the match, the campaign will culminate in a series of charity auctions in support of ‘Seeing is Believing’.

A number of matchday mementos will be up for bidding, including signed player shirts, the captain’s armband, a pair of signed replica Klopp glasses and a signed, limited edition braille matchday programme, produced to commemorate the fixture.

All donations will be matched by Standard Chartered and mobilised to win the fight against avoidable blindness globally.

Klopp said: “‘Seeing is Believing’ is a fantastic initiative, and one we are proud to support as a club. As somebody who wears glasses I know just how important sight is to my career and livelihood. That’s why this issue is particularly important to me.

“I’m sure the generosity of our wonderful supporters will make the auctions a big success and help contribute toward the ambition of eliminating avoidable blindness by 2020.”

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’s players, its manager and its fans.

“90 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.”

Globally, an estimated 39million are blind, and a further 246million suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment, yet in eight out of 10 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.

It is one of the most cost-effective health interventions, with a cataract operation, for instance, costing as little as £20.

Standard Chartered has dedicated itself to eliminating avoidable blindness since 2003 and reached more than 123million people through medical interventions, eye exams and eye health education. Since its inception, ‘Seeing is Believing’ has run 146 projects across 36 countries.

Following the fixture against United, fans will be able to bid for the limited edition items on Charity Stars until Tuesday November 8, with all money raised going towards ‘Seeing is Believing’.

For more information about ‘Seeing is Believing’, click here.