People who are blind have used canes to help them find their way for centuries but the origin of the white cane lies between the two world wars. James Biggs of Bristol claims to have invented the white cane in 1921. After losing his sight and feeling vulnerable to traffic near his home, he painted his walking stick white to be more visible to motorists. American doctor Richard Hoover developed the “long cane” method of cane travel as a means to help blind war veterans.
A day recognising the importance of the white cane was first proclaimed in 1964 by American President Lyndon B. Johnson. He designated October 15 as White Cane Safety Day and called upon the community to observe the day with ceremonies and activities. In 1970 the President of the International Federation of the Blind declared October 15 International White Cane Safety Day. This year, service providers and community groups participated in a range of activities to mark the day.
Lions service clubs helped to educate the public about the aspirations, hopes and abilities of people who are blind or have low vision. Lions organised events to emphasise equal capabilities and talents of people who are visually impaired or deaf-blind. There were also events to educate the public about white cane laws, and to advocate for “beep” traffic lights and other safety devices.
Long-term Lion John Lanzky attended a Lions event at the Marigold Restaurant in Haymarket that raised $82,000 for various charities including Lions’ own Save Sight Foundation. Lions Christmas Cakes will be sold again this year to raise funds for Save Sight.
Michael Lim and John Teoh met as first-year commerce students at the University of NSW. Inspired by an online revolution in optical dispensaries challenging the duopoly of multinationals (Luxottica and Safilo own the vast majority of eye-wear brands), the two friends dropped out of uni to found their own eyewear company. Oscar Wylee offers classic styles, free home trials and a “buy a pair, give a pair” commitment with donations to the Ranzco Eye Foundation. Ranzco is based in Australia and offers eye care to thousands of people throughout Australia and South East Asia.
Based in Chippendale, Oscar Wylee launched online in September. All glasses, including prescription lenses and delivery, are available for under $100. “Our frames are great quality and great value,” John Teoh said. “The acetate we use is Italian, high quality. We really took our time with selecting the designs and colours. The lenses are crafted in a lab in Surry Hills – it’s a lab that provides lenses to 10,000 optometrists throughout Australia.”
“We’re really proud of our product, and we wanted to include the charity component,” Michael Lim said. “It adds something for us and for our customers. It’s important to give something to help others – so many people with vision impairment can be helped with simple procedures and basic glasses.”
This month Oscar Wylee unveils a range of sunglasses.
