More than 50 foreign ophthalmologists began handing out more than 6,500 pairs of glasses to Chonburi residents at a Gift of Sight Foundation event at Pattaya School No. 7.
Bandit Siritanyong, vice president of the Thai-Chinese Cultural and Economic Association, Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and former Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome directed the first day of the Nov. 11-20 project, with city council members.
On the first day, 1,350 people from Phanat Nikhom lined up starting at 7 a.m. to receive their glasses.
Twelve localities and organizations nominated recipients for the free glasses.
Opticians from OneSight Foundation in America provide free eye checkups during the event.
This year, Pattaya was allotted 850 slots while the Pattaya Police could nominate 250 people and Father Ray Foundation another 300.
Laem Chabang was given 600 nominations and the Pattaya Press Club 50. The rest were split between six other Chonburi districts.
“The Gift of Sight” is a collaboration with the Public Health Ministry and One Sight Foundation, which organized a team of eye doctors from 40 countries to perform checkups and prescribe glasses.
The Gift of Sight project was begun with the intention to help the poor obtain free eye exams and glasses. Since 1999, the group has helped more than 350,000 people.
In addition, doctors offered advice on maintaining good eye health and preventing eye diseases. Those at risk of blindness were sent to a hospital or nursing center for further care.
