Almost 600 individuals representing those affected by visual impairment gathered in the capital for Moorfields Eye Charity’s principal annual fundraising stroll, the Eye to Eye event, which has so far accumulated over £91,000 to fund advances in ocular health and patient services.

The yearly occasion, marking its 12th iteration, brought together patients, relatives, companions and personnel from Moorfields Eye Hospital on routes departing from outside the Richard Desmond Children’s Eye Centre in Peerless Street.

Attendees had the option of a one-mile circular path through the historic thoroughfares adjacent to Moorfields, a five-mile trek, or a half marathon course passing the new Moorfields and UCL Centre for Eye Health, scheduled to begin operations in 2027.

Among the participants was 21-year-old Max Levey, who has attended Moorfields since birth and received a diagnosis of congenital bilateral ptosis when he was just three months old.

Surgery conducted at seven months of age enabled Mr Levey to see clearly for the initial time, and his family maintain that the procedure fundamentally altered his prospects.

Mr Levey, currently completing the concluding year of his business management studies, has participated in Eye to Eye from 2020 onward, with his collective having contributed £22,000 to the charity across those years.

Max Levey expressed gratitude to Moorfields, saying that the hospital had given him many opportunities in life, and that participating in Eye to Eye was the least he could do to show his appreciation.

His mother Caroline said that Moorfields had saved her son’s sight, and that without the sight-saving surgery, they never could have anticipated the achievements Max would make throughout his school years, at university, and during his work placement.

Walkers and accompanying guests were invited to explore an event village hosting community groups assisting those with visual impairments, such as Hair and Care, Martial Attitude, Kreative Craft Club and Bloomsbury Football, which produces modified footballs intended for players with visual difficulties.

Complimentary beverages, performances by Archway Big Band, activities for younger attendees, a prize draw and various food outlets contributed to a celebratory atmosphere.

Jo Green, director of fundraising and engagement at Moorfields Eye Charity, mentioned that Eye to Eye provided one of the best opportunities to meet and celebrate the charity’s supporters, with some having participated since the event’s inception in 2015. She expressed gratitude on behalf of everyone at Moorfields Eye Charity for the tremendous support received.

Contributions remain possible through the Moorfields Eye Charity website.