Lions Clubs International sponsor a worldwide collection and distribution of used spectacles to third world countries where the recipients are not interested in the fashion statement of the frames, but in the lenses to let them have sight.
The World Health Organization estimate that more than 150 million people have uncorrected refractive errors (near-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism). Most of these vision impairments are quickly diagnosed and easy to treat with corrective lenses.
  
Still, millions of people in developing nations are pushed deeper into poverty simply because they don’t have glasses. They can’t learn, because reading is difficult. They can’t work to the best of their ability, because they can’t see clearly.

For children, clear vision means a better education, healthier development and a better quality of life.  For adults, it means greater employment opportunity and economic strength. For seniors it means less dependence on others.

We in Tullamore Lions Club collect and recycle thousands of spectacles each year for distribution to the Third World.  The lenses are most important and if the frames are intact that is an added bonus. Spectacle cases in good condition are very welcome.

Spectacles collected by Tullamore Lions Club are sent to Lions Clubs Ireland and are transported to Medico Lions Clubs de France in Le Havre for sorting and grading before shipping to third world countries.

Most Opticians in the town have a container for collecting used glasses, as have a number of other retail outlets.  If you want more information contact us on contact@tullamorelionslclub.com