UNITED STATES
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Released 12/09/2005
CIBA VISION Makes Five-Year Commitment To "Optometry Giving Sight" As Founding Global Corporate Patron
Company contributes $1 million; creates Corporate Fellowship position to support global development of the program
ATLANTA - CIBA VISION announced today that it will make a five-year commitment to the global development of Optometry Giving Sight (OGS), a program that is dedicated to the elimination of one of the major causes of blindness and low vision globally - uncorrected refractive error. Over the next five years, the company will contribute $1 million to the organization and will fund the establishment of a full-time, Optometry Giving Sight Corporate Fellowship position, an industry first, to support the organization's efforts around the world. As the company's key global community effort, CIBA VISION also committed the resources of its sales and marketing teams in nearly 40 countries to gain support for OGS' mission from eye care professionals and their patients.
Current estimates are that 250 million people worldwide are functionally blind or visually impaired due to uncorrected refractive error. Working with an alliance of optometrists and organizations that coordinate vision care projects around the world, OGS funds the development of sustainable infrastructure via eye clinics, routine eye examinations, distribution of spectacles, training programs and clinical equipment.
"A strong commitment to corporate citizenship is a key part of business at CIBA VISION, and at our parent company, Novartis," said Joe Mallof, CEO of CIBA VISION. "We are pleased to partner with Optometry Giving Sight and will make this initiative the cornerstone of our community efforts in all of the countries where we operate. In addition to the monetary contribution, we plan to take an active role in this worthwhile organization's outreach to our customers and their patients globally."
The CIBA VISION funded Corporate Fellowship position, an industry first, will work directly with the OGS organization and its global operations to secure support for its mission and to support its development and expansion, as well as to serve as a liaison to coordinate the involvement of CIBA VISION's country organizations in OGS' efforts. The position will be filled by a full-time, CIBA VISION employee on a one-year, rotational assignment basis. Kristie Madara, currently Vice President of Global Corporate Communications for CIBA VISION, will assume the Fellowship role for the first year, beginning January 30, 2006 and will be based in Sydney, Australia. Her initial responsibilities will include developing a global outreach plan that promotes OGS' mission and goals, and builds relationships with external stakeholders including governments, NGOs, professional associations and industry.
Optometry Giving Sight is unique in that it is the only global initiative specifically targeting the prevention of blindness due to refractive error. It aims to bring together all people who are familiar with the value of eye examinations and the correction of sight defects and who have the knowledge and determination to deliver a solution.
"Quality eye care through innovative products that address refractive error is our business," added Mallof. "As a leader in the industry, it is our duty to the global community to help ensure that people in all parts of the world have access to regular, quality vision care services. We are pleased to be able to take an active role in the support of OGS and we encourage the rest of the Optometric community to join us in this important effort."
"We are absolutely thrilled with the support that CIBA VISION is providing to the global development of OGS, both the financial contribution and the full-time involvement of a senior member of their team as well as the support their country organizations will provide," said Dr. Scott Brisbin, board member - Global Optometry Giving Sight and president - World Optometry Foundation. "The solution to blindness due to refractive error is simple - provide quality, primary eye care. And there is no one better prepared to take on this challenge than the global Optometric community. OGS offers an unprecedented opportunity for members of our community, including eye care professionals, their staffs, their patients and manufacturers, to make a coordinated and significant impact in the prevention of blindness. We applaud CIBA VISION for stepping up as the first global corporate patron."
About CIBA VISION
With worldwide headquarters in Atlanta, CIBA VISION is a global leader in research, development and manufacturing of optical and ophthalmic products and services, including contact lenses and lens care products. CIBA VISION products are available in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit the CIBA VISION web site at www.cibavision.com.
CIBA VISION is the eye care unit of Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS), a world leader in pharmaceuticals and consumer health. In 2004, the Group's businesses achieved sales of USD 28.2 billion and a net income of USD 5.8 billion. The Group invested approximately USD 4.2 billion in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ about 81,400 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For further information please consult www.novartis.com.
About Optometry Giving Sight
Optometry Giving Sight is a global campaign in support of the goals of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight through mobilization of funds directed towards the elimination of uncorrected refractive error and helping those with permanent low vision. It is a joint initiative of the World Optometry Foundation (WOF), the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE).
Optometry Giving Sight was formed in 2003 to address the issue of funding the elimination of avoidable blindness and impaired vision for people in need due to one of the five major causes- uncorrected refractive error- and to help those with permanent low vision as part of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight -a global initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) together with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) with a coalition of international Non-Governmental Organizations. VISION 2020 aims to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020, in order to give all people in the world the RIGHT TO SIGHT. For further information please consult www.givingsight.org.