Employees from SpaMedica, the largest NHS cataract surgery provider in the UK, have been supporting The Lions Clubs British Isles Spectacles Collection Project by encouraging patients to donate glasses they no longer need. The glasses are given to visually impaired people who otherwise could not afford to access eye care.
To date, more than a million glasses have been donated to the charity and sorted by a small team of volunteers, all avoiding landfill. Sanitised and graded glasses are
redistributed around the world by the charity, including countries such as Chad, Mali, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Nigeria, and Nepal. Lions Clubs work directly with local eye care professionals and health organisations to make sure the appropriate glasses are given to people in need.
This World Optometry Day is focused on the theme ‘Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.’ Brigitte Green MJF, Lions Clubs National Headquarters Manager, says it is the perfect opportunity to highlight their mission and celebrate the support they have received: “The personal efforts of individual employees, and teams at SpaMedica hospitals across the country, have played a key role in supporting those in need around the world. On World Optometry Day, we extend our sincere thanks for their incredible support.
“Partnerships like these help us provide much needed glasses, in a sustainable way, to people who would otherwise have no access to vision care. This work truly changes the lives of individuals, their families and is helping to shape whole communities.”
For many, receiving a pair of eyeglasses is transformative, opening educational and employment opportunities, improving daily life, and fostering greater independence. Tom Fellows, SpaMedica Head of Policy and Value Proposition, says World Optometry Day serves as a reminder of the importance of eye care: "We are incredibly proud of our teams who have taken the initiative to support causes that improve global eye health. Their commitment to making a meaningful impact is truly inspiring.
“It is important to recognise that the ability to see clearly is life changing. Those with good vision often take it for granted, those without it can understand how debilitating it can be. We’re honoured to have employees who understand the importance of what Lions Clubs does and are passionate about ensuring access to eye care for those who need it most."
SpaMedica supports a number of initiatives to provide better access to eye health. The company recently donated materials and supplies to help with an eye-health mission in Jordan, supporting Syrian and Gazan refugees. It also launched a new partnership with The Macular Society this month to help fund ground-breaking research and vital services for patients who have been diagnosed with macular disease.