Mail carriers to collect eyeglasses for those in need

August 24, 2010

Two towns in California are participating in an event to benefit those who are in need of eyeglasses but may not be able to afford them. According to MyDesert.com, mail carriers in Palm Springs and Cathedral City, California, will be collecting used eyeglasses for the "Jeepers Peepers" collection drive.

The drive, which is being sponsored by local Lions clubs, is in its second year. Last year, nearly 1,500 pairs of eyeglasses were collected during the drive. After they are collected by the mail carriers, the specs are cleaned and sorted, then shipped out to vision and health clinics in nearby counties and Mexico to be given to those in need.

"It's an amazing feeling. I had one little lady who had been working the fields her whole life, and her face just lit up. 'I can see!'" Cathy Brant, secretary of the Palm Springs Lions Club, told the news source. "I'm getting choked up just thinking about it."

The American Optometric Association recommends that people of every age regularly visit their eye doctor to determine if they have any vision issues. School-aged children should take a trip to the eye doctor at least once every two years.