World Council of Optometry

11 January 2013

We have pledged our support for a documentary film profiling the powerful life story of humanitarian and optometrist Dr Tom Little. Dr Little worked in Afghanistan for the International Assistance Mission (IAM), an organisation that provides nearly 90% of all eye-care in the war torn nation.

In July 2010 Dr Little was killed whilst leading a humanitarian health mission in Nuristan province, Afghanistan.

To make the documentary, the filmmakers will travel back to Afghanistan with Tom's widow Libby, and retrace Tom's steps, interview those who knew him and profile ordinary Afghans as they seek eye treatment.

Dr Little was posthumously awarded the International Optometrist of the Year award in 2010 by WCO for his outstanding commitment and contribution to both the profession of optometry and the community at large.

In 2011, in recognition of his life’s work and sacrifice, President Obama posthumously awarded DrLittle the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honour bestowed upon any US citizen.

Watch the fantastic trailer for the documentary ‘The Hard Places’.