Tom Davies and Team Orbis UK Transform Lives at the Great Ethiopian Run

Eyewear Creator and Charity Ambassador Supports Eye Care Initiatives

Tom Davies, an ambassador for Orbis UK, recently participated in the Great Ethiopian Run, a renowned annual 10km road race aimed at raising funds for vision health initiatives. This year’s event took place on November 23 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, situated at an altitude of 2300 meters. Attracting an impressive 50,000 participants, the race demonstrated a strong community commitment to enhancing eye care services in the region.

Significant Fundraising Success

The Orbis UK team, comprised of dedicated runners, successfully raised over £80,000 to support sight-saving programs in Southern Ethiopia. These funds will directly contribute to improving eye care access for communities at risk of vision loss.

A Closer Look at Orbis UK’s Impact

Team Orbis embarked on a journey into Hawassa, where they visited an eye care unit that represents a pivotal advancement in local healthcare services. Historically, residents faced significant barriers in accessing specialized eye care. With Orbis’s support, pediatric eye care initiatives have flourished, and specialized training for healthcare professionals has been implemented.

Eyewear and Health: A Powerful Connection

The transformation witnessed through restored sight was deeply impactful for participants. The profound effect of regaining vision, as articulated by Davies, emphasizes the far-reaching implications such achievements have on families and communities. He noted, “Seeing someone regain their sight is the most powerful transformation I’ve ever witnessed.”

Community and Progress in Ethiopia

The Orbis team also received insights into ongoing programs in Gedeo, where nearly 3,000 adults received eye surgeries and over 2,000 individuals benefited from corrective eyewear in 2025. Enhanced outreach and hygiene initiatives aimed at combating trachoma, an infectious eye disease, have yielded significant results. Remarkably, 7,800 individuals have undergone surgery for advanced cases, while millions of antibiotic doses have been administered to prevent avoidable blindness.

Acknowledgment of Team Efforts

Mandy Pope, head of major gifts at Orbis UK, commended the team’s efforts, highlighting the challenging conditions of the Great Ethiopian Run and the meaningful impact their support has generated. The funds raised are poised to provide “life-changing” eye care services, further amplifying Orbis UK’s mission to eliminate preventable blindness.

Conclusion

Events like the Great Ethiopian Run not only foster athleticism but also serve as platforms for meaningful change in global health initiatives. By focusing on sight-saving programs in Ethiopia, Orbis UK exemplifies the power of community involvement and charity in overcoming healthcare challenges.

For those interested in learning more about the importance of eye care, visit Orbis UK.