Did you know that according to the World Health Organization’s data, as many as 314 million people in the world today need corrective eye wear? In the U.S., many of us take our ability to see for granted. If we need glasses or contacts we just make an appointment to go get them. Cataract and lasix surgery is common place. But for many in the world, this is not the case. Developing countries such as Mexico, Thailand, Bolivia, and Laos lack easy access to eye wear and eye care.
In October, many in our area think about more than getting candy. They think about giving – to those throughout the world in need of eye wear. Each year OneSight sponsors optical missions to developing countries such as these. Give the Gift of Sight is a family of charitable programs providing free vision care and eye wear to underprivileged individuals across the globe. Gift of Sight partners include LensCrafters, Pearle Vision Centers, Sears Optical, BJ’s Optical, EyeMed, Vision Care, Sunglass Hut, Lions Club International and thousands of community charities. Sponsored by the Give the Gift of Sight Foundation and the Luxottica Group, these programs have helped over 8 million people on five continents.
So please, check around your home or place of business, and “scare up” some used prescription eye glasses and non-prescription sunglasses. Whether they are big or small, they will help someone in a developing country see more clearly and provide eye protection from the sun. We have a scary Jack o’ Lantern at the Dickson Realty office at 11836 Donner Pass Road in Truckee ready to accept your donations. Hope to SEE you soon!
