The inaugural VISPA Vision Week with Specsavers takes place this week (10 – 16 May) and today, 10 May, the Making a Difference Awards with Specsavers were launched to give those who make a difference to people with impaired vision the recognition they deserve.

Maybe a visually-impaired person’s local library has installed additional lighting to make it easier to read, or they know of a restaurant which has made their menu available in Braille…these are the kind of organisations that the Making a Difference Awards with Specsavers will celebrate.

There are three categories – individual, community and business – where visually-impaired people can nominate those whose contribution to their daily lives deserves to be recognised. Nomination forms are available in all 36 Specsavers stores across Ireland. Closing date for nominations is 11 July and winners will be announced on World Sight Day, 14 October 2010.

Lisa Walsh, store director for Specsavers, comments: ‘Specsavers is delighted to be the sponsor of the inaugural Making a Difference Awards with Specsavers, as we aim to make a difference to all Irish people with sight issues. We know how even the smallest things can make a difference to someone who is visually impaired, so we would encourage people to nominate those who have helped make a difference to them.’

In addition to supporting the awards, all 36 Specsavers stores nationwide will be offering discounted eye examinations throughout the week, for only €15, in a bid to focus the nation on the importance of eyecare.

A number of other activities are happening during VISPA Vision Week with Specsavers, including the first time visit to Ireland of Sight Village, Europe’s largest exhibition of assistive technology and vision aids. Log onto www.visionweek.ie for further information.