Hadashah collects spectacles for the needy

In participation of International Eye Care Awareness Month that is observed from 21 September to 18 October, learners of Hadashah Learning Centre collected used eyewear for distribution to needy individuals.
Boxes containing more than 100 used pairs of spectacles were handed to President of the Pietersburg Lions Club, Karl Varkevisser at the school on Friday. Varkevisser said that the spectacles will now be dispatched to the Lions’ Operation Brightsight in Johannesburg for refurbishing and redistribution to needy individuals through Lions clubs countrywide.
Varkevisser said that, since its inception in July 1978, thousands of pairs of spectacles have been distributed to senior citizens, children and indigents. “Lions clubs identify beneficiaries and scripts are forwarded to Operation Brightsight for documenting. Scripts are scrutinised and additional lenses are purchased if necessary. Frames are then selected and a technician grinds lenses and fits lenses to frames. Finally, spectacles are examined and cleaned, spectacle cases are selected and the spectacle and prescription is placed in the case and dispatched to the requesting Lions Club,” Varkevisser explained.
The Lions arrange for eye tests to be done locally to obtain the necessary scripts. “We negotiate with local optometrists to do the tests for free or at a reduced cost if necessary, in which case we pay for the tests,” Varkevisser said.

Story and photo: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com