The programme was launched in 2001. Initially, the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation purchased 7 diode lasers for treatment centres in hospitals in Katowice, Łódź, Białystok, Poznań, Szczecin, Gdańsk, and Wrocław.
The Foundation equipped all neonatal intensive care units in Poland with 129 ophthalmoscopes (used to see inside the fundus of the eye) and 27 laser devices. Currently, there are 21 treatment centres, which the Foundation has equipped, and till autumn of 2021, doctors have examined and diagnosed 261 765 prematurely born babies and saved the eyesight of 11 088 babies!
This type of retinopathy is caused by premature birth, and it means that the retina (part of the eye) is not developed correctly yet when the child is born. The damaged retina can eventually cause substantial loss of eyesight and, when left untreated in the early stages, can result in loss of sight. First symptoms can be diagnosed between 1 and 3 months of a baby's life, so doctors need to have access to sophisticated equipment such as laser surgery devices. The best chance to save the child's eyesight is a quick diagnosis and effective treatment undertaken as early as possible.
Retinopathy
Fundacja wyposażyła 21 wyspecjalizowanych ośrodków zajmujących się leczeniem retinopatii w najnowocześniejszy sprzęt laserowy - fotokoagulatory laserowe.
The Foundation equipped all neonatal intensive care units in Poland with 125 ophthalmoscopes (used to see inside the fundus of the eye) and 27 laser devices. Currently, there are 19 treatment centres, which have been equipped by the Foundation and till January 2021 doctors have examined and diagnosed 254 919 prematurely born babies and saved the eyesight of 10 692 babies!
The 31st Grand Finale is not just about local events or the main concert in Warsaw! Each year we do our best to make it possible for everyone to join our Orchestra from every corner of the Earth!
This year’s theme of the GOCC Grand Finale declares a fight with sepsis, a severe life-threatening medical condition. The latest WHO’s research shows that it may be the main cause of deaths in the world.
Take part in the 17th virtual Get Even with Diabetes Run whenever you are and feel the positive power of the community of GOCC runners all over the world!
Anyone can become a GOCC volunteer, even without leaving their home! Haven't registered in time? Nothing's lost! You can still join the group of volunteers and collect money online thanks to eCollection Box powered by Mastercard.