Since 1988, Lions Clubs International and Give the Gift of Sight Foundation have partnered to collect used eyeglasses and deliver sight to the needy.
Photo Caption: Seven-year-old Gabriel from Guayaquil, Ecuador is the 3 millionth person helped through Gift of Sight. He was given a pair of recycled eyeglasses during a Gift of Sight international mission which received local support in planning and implementing from the Guayaquil Urdesa Lions Club.
Eyeglass Collection and Recycling - Lions and Luxottica retail associates collect and recycle eyeglasses year-round. Collected eyeglasses are cleaned, repaired and sorted by Gift of Sight and Lions volunteers for distribution on international missions.
Sight NightŪ - A unique twist to the collection of eyeglasses. Lions, Luxottica Retail and community volunteers across North America canvass their neighborhoods to collect used eyeglasses during trick-or-treat.
International Missions - Gift of Sight Foundation and Lions Clubs International sponsor missions to developing countries. Currently, there are 12 missions a year and approximately 20,000 people are helped on each trip.
Hometown Day - Each December, LensCrafters stores set aside a special morning to provide free eye exams and glasses to local residents in need as pre-determined by Lions and other charitable groups.
Gift of Sight OnSite Vouchers - Lions clubs and other groups may obtain a limited number of pairs of glasses for people in need free-of-charge. Eye exams are not included.
Lions Special Price - Lions clubs are able to purchase an unlimited number of pairs of glasses for needy individuals at a special price of US$50 per pair in the United States and US$70 per pair in Canada. Prepaid Lions Special Price vouchers are available in a book of 10. Eye exams are not included.
Vision Vans - Two 40-foot Vision Vans "Seemore" and "Iris," travel North America delivering free eye care and new glasses to disadvantaged children pre-selected by Lions clubs and other local agencies.
For more information, download "Lions Clubs International & Give the Gift of Sight Foundation - Working Together" (PR781), visit the Gift of Sight Web site, or contact the Gift of Sight captain or General Manager at your local LensCrafters store.