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What is the Gift of Sight Program?
The Gift of Sight Program of the New York Grand Lodge OSIA
began in 1982 and gives assistance to people in need with vision
problems … both medically and financially. In
addition to the many lay volunteers who serve on this committee,
prominent physicians in the fields of ophthalmology, optometrics
and other related medical disciplines have donated their time
and expertise to the program. These physicians are the
Medical Committee-At-Large … and are available for second
opinions and consultations. In addition, the committee
has the volunteer services of a prominent surgeon who serves
as a Medical Advisor on a regular basis.
Who do they help?
The Gift of Sight has been a financial and medical sponsor
to many children and adults for surgical procedures performed
in hospitals throughout the United States. Housing accommodations
have been met for patients who arrive for surgery from foreign
countries.
What have they done?
The Gift of Sight purchased the Corneal Refrigeration Unit
for the Long Island Eye Bank at North Shore University Hospital
in Manhasset, New York. They also fund research grants
for the Wilmer Eye Institute for Retinal Research at John Hopkins
University Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
Every year, the Gift of Sight program sponsors a guide dog
through the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in Smithtown,
New York. Beyond this … many senior citizens without
health insurance who have not yet qualified for Medicare have
had retinal or cataract surgery through the help of the Gift
of Sight program.
How are they funded?
The Gift of Sight is dependent upon the generosity of supporters,
whose tax-deductible contributions enable aid to those in need
of specialized eye care.
How do I obtain assistance from The Gift of Sight?
You can obtain an application by calling the New York Grand
Lodge Office, Order Sons of Italy in America, 516-785-4623. You
will receive a Gift of Sight Review Form and Application, which
must be filled out and returned along with the front page of
your most recent income tax return. The Gift of Sight Committee
and Medical Committee will meet to assess your application for
financial and medical aid. Please be assured that all
personal information will be kept completely confidential.
Gift of Sight Scholarship Grant
Once a year, the Gift of Sight presents a special scholarship
grant to a high school graduating student who is legally visually
impaired. The
criteria of the award are that the applicant must be a current
high school graduate who will begin full time undergraduate study
in the fall. Official transcripts; SAT/ACT scores; official
documentation of special need; two letters of recommendation
from teachers or counselors and a student essay summarizing educational
and career goals, school and community service and a discussion
of the significance of Italian heritage must be submitted for
consideration. Applicants must be a resident of New York
State and of Italian Heritage. A $10 application fee must
be included with each application. You can download a copy
of this application from our scholarship page on this website.
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