Jake Gyllenhaal raises awareness for New Eyes for the Needy

April 7, 2011

Vision disease is a worldwide epidemic that affects millions of people, but some believe that there is not enough information out there to educate people on the need for vision care.

Actor Jake Gyllenhaal is using his celebrity power to generate buzz for New Eyes for the Needy, an organization that provides less-fortunate individuals with the eyeglasses they need, according to the Daily Star.

The actor admitted that it was his own bad eyesight that got him involved, as he knows how difficult life can be for people with vision problems who do not have glasses.

"I have really bad eyesight, and always have had, since I was a little kid," Gyllenhaal said in an interview with Telegraph Magazine. "And I've always donated my used glasses to them. It's important to do what you can to raise awareness for things that you care about, and the things you believe in."

Contact Music reports that the actor is a spokesperson for the small charity, which distributes eyeglasses to people around the world.