The EYE Ball is a signature fundraising event organised by SNEC/ SERI.
The EYE Ball 2016 was a spectacular affair this year, graced by more than 390 friends, donors and supporters of the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI). The rousing support from all present at the 19 November event resulted in donations amounting to almost $3.7 million for the VisionSave campaign.
The VisionSave campaign was launched in July this year, and serves as SNEC/SERI's inaugural efforts to leverage on philanthropic investment to innovate and translate medicine in the most impactful manner to ensure the best and optimal outcome for every patient.
The EYE Ball is a signature fundraising event organised by SNEC/ SERI. Its organising committee, chaired by Adjunct Associate Professor Ho Ching Lin, was truly humbled by the overwhelming response to the EYE Ball this year, with all tables sold almost a month prior to the event.
The John Jacob Ballroom at St Regis was filled to its maximum capacity on the day of the event, with some of SNEC/ SERI's strongest supporters and advocates who truly appreciated the splendor yet fragility of Vision and Sight.
Chair of the EYE Ball 2016, Adjunct Associate Professor Ho Ching Lin (second from right)
Many of the guests truly resonated with the fundamental intent of the EYE Ball, which was to spread awareness of eye diseases and the fragility of vision, while concurrently raising funds for the VisionSave campaign.
"Sight allows us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us. Many of us take our sight for granted, but many people in the world are, sadly, deprived of this gift. Statistics show that a staggering 50% of the global burden of blindness resides here in Asia and these numbers may certainly increase with the advent of the silver tsunami", said Adjunct Associate Professor Ho.
SNEC/ SERI were very fortunate and to have entertainment maestro and celebrity Dick Lee as its VisionSave Ambassador, who was the true force behind this campaign.
His active involvement, from conceptualisation to fronting the VisionSave campaign, was testament to his commitment and belief in the importance of this cause.
Undeniably, Dick's celebrity appeal helped elevate the status of the VisionSave campaign, effectively raising its profile and created awareness of the important work being done by SNEC and SERI in their efforts to save sight and improve lives.
Professor Tommy Koh, Singapore's Ambassador-at-large, receiving the inaugural Visionary Award 2016.
Dick, who was the Creative Director for the EYE Ball 2016, also played an indispensable role in personally conceptualising the evening's programme.
This year's EYE Ball 2016 also saw the inauguration of The Visionary Award, which aims to recognise individuals whose steadfast efforts have culminated in societal benefit in Singapore and beyond. SNEC/SERI was very privileged and honoured to confer Professor Tommy Koh, Singapore's Ambassador-at-large, with the inaugural Visionary Award 2016.
The overwhelming success of the event was made possible by the sustained support and guidance of SNEC/ SERI's partner for the EYE Ball, the SG Tatler team, as well as the inspiring and gracious patronage of so many outstanding individuals who directly contributed to the success of the evening's programme. They included the beautiful and multi-talented, Rany Moran, soulful and brilliant artist, Alemay Fernandez, and the gracious and charming, Nikki Muller, who was the emcee for the evening.
