A special charity performance of Bach's St John Passion is taking place at Winchester College Chapel to celebrate the 300-year anniversary of the first performance and to raise funds for eye research at the University of Southampton. The performance will be led by local Bach enthusiast, Jon Newman, and will feature a choir of professional musicians and young singers. Before the performance, guests can enjoy drinks and updates on the University's vision science research. The event's proceeds will support the Gift of Sight Appeal, which funds research for new treatments for eye diseases.
Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAB School of Optometry's annual Gift of Sight event was able to continue and provide free eye exams and glasses to underserved patients. Changes were made to ensure the safety of both patients and staff, and the event was spread out over multiple days to accommodate social distancing guidelines. Thanks to the collaboration between UAB, Rural Area Medical, Vision Service Plan, and Essilor, the event was able to help over 200 patients with various eye conditions receive much-needed care.
As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims in India eagerly await the sighting of the crescent moon which will mark the beginning of Eid-ul-Fitr. After a month of fasting, prayers and spiritual reflection, Eid-al-Fitr is celebrated with great joy. The exact date is determined based on the lunar calendar and will be announced after the moon sighting on the evening of Tuesday, 9 April 2024. On this day, families and friends come together to offer prayers, exchange gifts and enjoy delicious feasts. Charity, known as Zakat-ul-Fitr, is also an important aspect of the festival, highlighting the values of community and compassion.
Guests at a charity ball in Southampton were updated on the latest developments in sight-saving medical research. Professor Andrew Lotery, who leads the research at Southampton University, revealed that the city has been selected as a center for sequencing a patient's entire genome, which used to cost £20 million but can now be done for less than £1,000. The event, which featured former Meridian sports presenter Andy Steggall as the master of ceremonies, raised £4,500 for the cause.
In a heartwarming story, Crystal Jones is finally able to see her family again after years apart thanks to her father's selfless gift of sight before passing away. Her father's stem cells were able to restore her vision, and she describes feeling grateful and overwhelmed at the thought of her dad dancing in heaven knowing he made this possible. This story highlights the power of organ and tissue donation and the impact it can have on those in need.