Cycling for sight

A dispensing optician from Kent will cycle 300 miles to raise money for the annual fundraising initiative Optics Cycling for Sight.

Tim Bowden will set off from Crystal Palace, London on 18 May, completing a route that takes him to the finishing line at the Eiffel Tower, Paris.

Optics Cycling for Sight was established in 2011 by University of Bradford students Jessica MacIssac, Fares Hatoum and Abubakr Patel in order to raise money for Optometry Giving Sight (OGS). It has grown year on year, with industry and individuals pledging their support, with funds now shared between OGS and Vision Aid Overseas.

Mr Bowden has taken part in Optics Cycling for Sight for four consecutive years, completing challenges from Severn Beach to the Isle of Grain, Chester to Richborough Castle and Silloth to Tynemouth.

Speaking about taking part in the challenge, Mr Bowden told OT: “There are 20 million people in the world with impaired vision due to cataracts, but 670 million with impaired vision due to a lack of glasses.

“As a highly myopic, astigmatic, presbyope, I would be totally lost without my contact lenses and spectacles. I certainly could not cycle at all, let alone to Paris. By this small challenge we can bring the gift of vision to many more people.” 

Practitioners are encouraged to organise their own cycling challenge, or can alternatively take part in an event that cycling with CET, organised by education provider, Eyecare. The company has planned three routes with distances of 87 miles, 45 miles and 17 miles around the Lake District on 28 August. To register for the event, click here.

Practitioners wishing to take on their own challenge can do so at any time during 2016, but are urged to sign up and register.

To make a donation to Mr Bowden’s challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/teambowden2016