A man from Manchester has been shortlisted for an RNIB See Differently Award in recognition of his campaigning to raise awareness of glaucoma and the importance of eyecare among young people and those of East Asian heritage.
Choon Tan, 35, was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2022 and has been shortlisted in the Campaigner of the Year category. The category is sponsored by Microsoft, and the award will recognise individuals who have shown great commitment and courage in campaigning to improve the world for blind and partially sighted people.
Choon was driven to push awareness of sight loss after his diagnosis because he wanted to dispel the myth that “glaucoma only affects elderly people” and to highlight that people of East Asian heritage are at increased risk of developing glaucoma.
He became the ‘face’ of Glaucoma UK’s, Glaucoma Awareness Week campaign in 2023 and helped raise over £20,000 – one of the charity’s most successful campaigns to date.
Choon also organises events to tackle health inequality and in 2023, he undertook a fundraising challenge for Glaucoma UK. He walked 700,000 steps in May, one step for every person living with glaucoma in the UK, and raised over £2000.
Choon continues to share his story through a range of media channels such as social media, broadcast, online and print.
In relation to being shortlisted, Choon said: “I’m pleased to be shortlisted for an RNIB See Differently Award. I plan to continue partnering with charities, including Glaucoma UK, to improve the health and wellbeing of East and South-East Asian communities.”
The RNIB See Differently Awards will bring together a host of people across the UK and aims to shine a spotlight on the excellent work happening every day across the UK to support people with sight loss. They will recognise and reward individuals and organisations taking positive action to help break down barriers and make the world a better place for blind and partially sighted people.
RNIB CEO Matt Stringer said: “The RNIB See Differently Awards will celebrate those who dedicate their time, passion, and skills to help build an inclusive world for blind and partially sighted people. Congratulations to the shortlisted national finalists, you’re all fantastic with incredibly moving stories and we wish you the best of luck.”
The RNIB See Differently Awards will recognise exceptional individuals and teams across seven categories: Campaigner of the Year, Eye Care Professional of the Year, Best Content Creator of the Year, Team of the Year, Employer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Design for Everyone Award.
The award winners will be announced at a ceremony which will take place at a hotel in Central London on Tuesday 21 May 2024.
