Empire State Building's Bright Lights Go Dark For Blindness

The world famous tower lights of the Empire State Building will be turned off for 28 minutes on March 1, to remember the 28 million people around the world who are unnecessarily blind.

Before the lights go out at 20:20 (8:20 p.m. ET), the tower will shine blue and white in tribute to the 25th anniversary of ORBIS International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving sight worldwide. Through its work, ORBIS volunteers and staff have directly restored the vision and transformed the lives of millions of people in 85 countries.

"We see this as a tremendous opportunity to help advance the work ofORBIS and have an unprecedented impact, both in terms of raising awareness and making a global call for the eradication of unnecessary blindness,"says James Connors, Empire State Building general manager.

ORBIS President and Executive Director Oliver Foot says, "Most people hear '20/20' and think of perfect vision. When the Empire State Building turns off its lights at 20:20 this will draw attention to the plight of 28 million people who are blind and could be cured -- right now -- if they had access to the proper eye care. It is tremendously encouraging that the world's most famous building is supporting this initiative and lending its name to a global call for action."

March 1 has been proclaimed "ORBIS Day" by Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York City.

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