Standard Chartered and Liverpool FC are partnering to promote Standard Chartered’s flagship community programme which works 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 17th October.

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

This season marks the fifth year that Standard Chartered and Liverpool Football Club 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 unique video that 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 match day mementos will be up for bidding, including signed player shirts, the Captain’s armband, a pair of signed replica Jürgen Klopp glasses and a signed limited edition braille match day program, produced to commemorate the fixture.

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

Jurgen Klopp, First Team Manager at Liverpool FC, 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.

Ninety percent 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 39 million are blind, and a further 246 million suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment, yet in eight out of ten 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 over 123 million people through medical interventions, eye exams, and eye health education. Since inception, Seeing is Believing has run 146 projects across 36 countries.

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

 

Jürgen Klopp on why #LFC are joining @StanChart to tackle avoidable blindness. #SeeingIsBelieving #WorldSightDay pic.twitter.com/KXKLai31we

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 13, 2016