You could help someone half-way around the world by donating those old spectacles.
OneSight, as well as Hakim and the Canadian Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Centre (CLERC), accept donated glasses at hundreds of locations across the city. These are redistributed to people in need around the world, from Thailand to Mexico to Ghana.
Also, watch out for domestic programs from OneSight, such as vouchers for those in need of glasses and vision vans that give free eye tests in communities across the GTA.
Did you know?
• Worldwide, 314 million people are visually impaired - 45 million of whom are blind.
• Eighty per cent of global visual impairment is preventable or treatable.
• Ninety per cent of blind and visually impaired people live in low and middle income countries
• Two million pairs of glasses are needed every year to supply demand from Onesight Clinics.
• OneSight has volunteers from 130 countries, and runs clinics and programs in seven developing countries and within developed countries - including the GTA!
Easy tips:
• All lightly used prescription eyewear can be donated, barring any major scratches or broken glass.
• OneSight also operates a vision van that travels around the city and gives free eye exams.
• Check your old drawers and glasses cases for a long-forgotten pair to donate.
For more information:
OneSight and the Canadian Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Centre (CLERC) operate eyeglass donation programs. CLERC operates with support from Hakim Optical. Donations can be made at Hakim Optical locations, Lions Club, Lenscrafters, PearleVision and Sears Optical, see www.onesight.org and www.hakimoptical.ca/donate.html.
