The Sanibel Captiva Lions Club continues to collect unused prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses as part of its Recycle for Sight program.
In October, 143 glasses and 51 cases were collected for distribution to developing countries where eye care is often unaffordable and inaccessible. While the numbers were lower than usual in September due to Hurricane Irma, there was an uptick in the numbers for October.
“We still need everyone to donate their used eyeglasses,” said Tom Nachazel, club president. “In most developing countries, an eye exam can cost as much as one month’s wages and a single eye doctor may serve a community of hundreds of thousands of people.”
The glasses are shipped to a regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center where they are cleaned, categorized by prescription and prepared for distribution by Lions and other groups. In addition to Recycle for Sight, the Sanibel-Captiva Lions have provided complimentary vision, hearing and diabetes screening for many years.
“Sight is undoubtedly one of the Lions defining causes,” said Nachazel.
To donate used glasses, including reading glasses, place them in the specially marked Lions Recycle for Sight collection boxes located at the following businesses:
Sanibel – Ace Hardware, Bank of the Islands, Bailey’s General Store, Island Pharmacy, Joey’s Custard, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank on Library Way and Periwinkle, Sanibel Community Church, Sanibel Library, Sanibel Eyecare, Santiva General Store, Senior Center – Center for Life.
Captiva – Captiva Library and Bank of the Islands
The Sanibel Captiva Lions meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Sanibel Community House. Lions are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs.
For more information or to get involved with the Sanibel Captiva Lions, contact Lion Rick Siders at [email protected] or visit sanibelcaptivalions.org for more information.