A LOCAL Extracare Housing Scheme for the over 55s has collected more than 500 pairs of old specs from the Redditch community in aid of international charity, Vision Aid Overseas (VAO).
The team at Terryspring Court, which is run by the ExtraCare Charitable Trust, were introduced to the idea of collecting old glasses for the charity by Specsavers Healthcall who look after the eyecare needs of many of the home’s residents on site.
Together they have collected a huge number of specs, and are continuing to encourage people to donate their old and unwanted glasses to the charity.
The work that VAO does is so important for those in developing countries who are affected by poor vision and this is a small way in which we can help,’ explains Chris Smith director of Specsavers Healthcall in Redditch. ‘The donated specs are recycled to generate income to support overseas programmes.’
‘We’re so proud to be able to donate all these pairs of glasses to VAO. It’s a simple yet effective initiative, and one that we will continue to support,’ adds Zoe Hopkins, manager, Terrysrping Court.
Vision Aid Overseas is a UK based organisation that works in a number of African countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana and Zambia. The charity, founded in 1985, provides eye tests and glasses to those who need them, and aims to help those living in poverty who have little or no access to eyecare.
Specsavers Healthcall provides eyecare services at home to those who cannot visit a high street optician unaccompanied due to physical or mental disability.
To donate your unwanted specs pop them into Terryspring Court or for more information on the Specsavers Healthcall services or book a home eye test call 0800 652 4948 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests
