Businessman works to provide American troops with sunglasses

December 18, 2009

When Bob Gahring, the owner of Greater Golf Training and Pro Center gave his son, who has served in the National Guard, a pair of sunglasses, the soldier's reaction surprised him.

Gahring told FOX news affiliate WICZ that his son said, "Man, these are great. I wish I'd had this when I was over there in Iraq."

His son reaction inspired Gahring and made him brainstorm ways to provide soldiers who were still serving overseas with high-quality sunglasses. The businessman approached Maxx sunglasses, and the companies began working together to collect 10,000 pairs of sunglasses thus far for troops. Greater Gold has also begun accepting donations to the Wounded Warrior Project on its website.

Though troops in the dessert are sure to benefit from quality sunglasses, it's important for everyone to wear sunglasses on a daily basis to support eye health. The American Optometric Association recommends wearing sunglasses with 99 percent UV protection to guard against sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.