Throughout Round 15 of the 2014 Toyota AFL Premiership Season AFL Umpires will wear blue uniforms to support OneSight, the not-for-profit foundation that provides essential eye care to Australians in need.

The initiative is supported by the AFL and leading eyewear retailer  OPSM - the official eye-care partner of the AFL and official sponsor of the AFL umpires - to help promote awareness of the work that OneSight does not only in Australia, but across the globe.

The change to blue, which is the colour of the OneSight Foundation logo, marks the second time the umpires have worn an OPSM charity-linked uniform, after the initiative’s inaugural year in 2013.

The new umpire uniforms were unveiled this week by Fremantle Dockers Captain, Matthew Pavlich, at a special presentation in Perth.  

Pavlich has witnessed first-hand the positive impact of OneSight through a number of school clinics and other OneSight community programs, including recently taking part in a OneSight school clinic in Perth.

Pavlich said he was proud to be involved with OneSight and urged football fans to support this weekend's campaign.

“It’s a great feeling to think we’re making sure these children get the best possible start to their health. I strongly encourage fans to get behind the campaign this weekend and make a difference. 

"By making a small donation and helping these kids with their vision, it could improve their learning and development, and help them perform in all aspects of life, including sports.”

AFL General Manager Football Operations, Mark Evans, said the AFL was pleased to support the work of OneSight through the Umpiring panel. 

"The AFL, in association with OPSM, is delighted to be a part of this important initiative and we hope the change in the umpires’ uniforms this weekend will ultimately lead to greater support for the OneSight Foundation,” Mr Evans said.

Robyn Weinberg, Director of OneSight, was appreciative of the support of the AFL and OPSM in such a public way.

“We are focused on creating sustainable quality eye care solutions across  Australia.  With the public’s support we will continue to provide vision clinics, care and training in schools, and serve underprivileged  and  Indigenous communities in regional and remote areas of Australia, ” Mrs Weinberg said.

OneSight is dedicated to improving the vision for those in need worldwide through outreach, research and education. Over the last 25 years, the Foundation has given the gift of sight to almost 8.5 million people around the world.  In Australia, OneSight conducts clinics in remote Indigenous communities as well as at schools, with their team of trained optometrists.

To support this initiative – or for more information on OneSight- AFL fans are encouraged to donate to OneSight via www.opsm.com.au/onesight

A small donation goes a long way towards the cost of providing eye care and eyewear to those who wouldn’t normally be able to afford it.

About OneSight

OneSight is a public non-profit organization providing sustainable access to quality vision care and eyewear in underserved communities worldwide. Since 1988, OneSight has engaged thousands of skilled volunteers to hand-deliver the gift of sight to more than eight million people in 40 countries. Thanks to a generous annual operating sponsorship from Luxottica, corporate and individual donations to OneSight directly fund programming to restore and preserve healthy vision for millions in need.

For more information go to; www.onesight.org.au

About OPSM

OPSM is the official eye care partner of the AFL and the official sponsor of the AFL umpires.

OPSM is a leading eye care and eyewear retailer and has been looking after the eyes of Australians for 81 years. Part of Luxottica Group, a global eyewear company with over 7,000 retail stores and presence across 130 countries, OPSM over 400 stores in Australia and New Zealand and helps more than one million Australians see more clearly each year.

Through its optometrists, world class technology and exceptional service, OPSM’s goal is to raise the standard of eye health and eye care. In addition to its eye care services, OPSM is renowned for its exclusive range of optical frames and sunglasses from international brands to suit all budgets.