Lucy's Lenses: helping people around the world see clearly

“Now, where did I put my glasses?” How many times have you heard (or even said) this? It isn’t uncommon for Americans to have multiple pairs of glasses in the house or in the car available any time we have trouble reading that small print. However, for people in low to middle income countries (LMIC), reading glasses often are not a commonly accessible resource.

The reality is that only half of all people globally who need glasses have them – the World Health Organization puts the number of 1 billion people whose eyesight could be corrected with a simple pair of glasses. And while prescription glasses require resources that can be expensive and challenging to create, reading glasses are remarkably easy and inexpensive to transport and ship. It’s a problem that we can easily solve if we work together.

Regaining your close-up vision is so much more than just being able to read a book. Deciphering the small print on your medicine bottle (not to mention your doctor’s handwriting) means you take medication correctly. A child who can easily make out the words in her textbook gains better reading comprehension skills. Artisans who depend on their craft – bakers, tailors, and shopkeepers – can support their families and strengthen their local economies.

This is about a whole lot more than just a pair of glasses. It’s about the health and wellbeing of children, families, and entire communities.

So, how can you help? Take a look around your house or check out your local dollar store for deals – do you have any reading glasses you could contribute? Glasses should be in good condition, clean, with no scratches or damage. In honor of the Feast of St. Lucy, patroness of eye health, this week (December 8-14) the Knights of Columbus Council #16126 will be collecting non-prescription reading glasses for Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach to include in shipments to adults and children throughout Africa and Central/South America.

Donation drop boxes for non-prescription reading glasses are located inside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (524 E Lawrence Ave, Springfield). Just look for the boxes that say “Lucy’s Lenses.” If you don’t have glasses but want to participate, you can make a financial contribution to cover the shipment costs to international recipients. 

Your donation of reading glasses could greatly improve the quality of life for so many people.

For more information, contact Hannah Cline, Mission Outreach donor specialist, at [email protected].

Image of student in glasses photo by Vecteezy.com