It is estimated that more than 153 million people around the world have uncorrected vision impairments. Most of these impairments can be quickly diagnosed and easily treated with corrective lenses. Unfortunately, they never get corrected. People lack the resources to obtain the proper eyewear to fix things like nearsightedness and astigmatism. The lack of glasses pushes millions of people deeper into poverty. They cannot learn because reading is difficult. They struggle at work because they cannot see clearly. They battle headaches and other health issues that diminish their quality of life. One pair of glasses can be powerful for one person. One pair of glasses.
Clear vision means a better education for children. Clear vision means greater employment opportunities and career success for adults. Clear vision means more independence for seniors. Clear vision improves the quality of life for all. You can provide clear vision for those who cannot afford it and it is extremely easy.
I have been wearing eyeglasses since I was young. I have gone through many (many, many) pairs of glasses over the years. Thick frames and lightweight frames. Round lenses and square lenses. Black ones, gray ones, and brown ones. The list goes on and on. With each new eye exam (or cracked frame) came a new pair of glasses. The old ones were quickly discarded into the trash and forgotten forever. I had no idea that those old glasses could make the difference in the lives of another person. Today, my eyes have been opened.
Lions Clubs International has been changing the world through eyeglasses for many years. Lions clubs collect millions of eyeglasses each year to address the need for glasses. It costs Lions less than $0.08 to provide a pair of recycled eyeglasses to change someone’s life. Glasses are collected through boxes that are located throughout communities across the country.
This week we donated 8 pairs of glasses in one of our local collection boxes. We will never know if these glasses will reach those in need. We have no idea if our prescription lenses can be used by another person. We do know, however, that the alternative to donating our glasses was dropping them in the garbage. In the trash there is a 0% chance of helping another person. We do not like those odds. By making a donation, we hope that we have been able to someone the gift of sight.
If you wear glasses, consider donating your old pair. You just might change someone’s life.
impact52.org 