Nearly 600 people from the sight loss community have come together in London for Moorfields Eye Charity’s flagship fundraising walk, Eye to Eye, helping raise more than £91,000 so far to support breakthroughs in eye health and patient care.
The annual event, now in its 12th year, saw patients, families, friends and Moorfields Eye Hospital staff take to routes starting outside the Richard Desmond Children’s Eye Centre on Peerless Street.
Participants chose from a one‑mile loop around the historic streets near Moorfields, a five‑mile walk, or a half marathon route taking in the new Moorfields and UCL Centre for Eye Health, due to open in 2027.
Among those walking was 21‑year‑old Max Levey, who has been a Moorfields patient since infancy and was diagnosed with congenital bilateral ptosis at three months old.
An operation at seven months meant Mr Levey could see properly for the first time, and his family say that surgery transformed his future.
Mr Levey, now heading into his final year of a business management degree, has taken part in Eye to Eye since 2020 and his team has raised £22,000 for the charity over the years.
“Thanks to Moorfields I have so much that I can do in my life,” he said, adding that taking part in Eye to Eye is 'the least I can do to give back'.
His mother Caroline said: “Moorfields saved my son’s sight.
"We could never have imagined how much Max has achieved in school, at university and his work placement year if he had not had sight‑saving surgery and that’s thanks to Moorfields.”
Walkers and their supporters were able to visit an event village featuring local organisations that support people with sight loss, including Hair and Care, Martial Attitude, Kreative Craft Club and Bloomsbury Football, whose adapted footballs are designed for visually impaired players.
Free hot drinks, live music from Archway Big Band, children’s activities, a raffle and food stalls helped create a festival atmosphere.
Jo Green, head of fundraising and engagement at Moorfields Eye Charity, said: “Eye to Eye is one of our best opportunities to meet with and champion our amazing supporters – some of whom have done Eye to Eye since it began back in in 2015.
"On behalf of us all at Moorfields Eye Charity, we cannot thank you enough for your amazing support."
Donations can still be made via the Moorfields Eye Charity website.
