Retired optician volunteers with veterans

February 4, 2010

Seventy-six-year-old Frank Montijo has been using his skills as a former optician to help restore the vision of veterans, and he only charges a smile and a handshake for his work.

Montijo volunteers at the Denver Veteran Affairs Medical Center on a weekly basis, adjusting and repairing eyeglasses for free, according to CBS News.

Not only does Montijo clean eyeglasses and tighten loose screws, but he can also replace frames by using talcum powder and salt in a frying pan.

As a Korean War veteran, Montijo believes it is important to serve his fellow soldiers. After a decade of volunteering, he has helped 21,500 satisfied customers. Montijo also will find forgotten eyeglasses around and sort and clean them for anyone who may need them.

The people he serves are taking note in his generosity as well.

"I think if we had more [people] like that in this world, we'd have a better world," Vietnam veteran Gene Yohn said.

According to Eye to Eye Optical, it's a good idea to regularly inspect your glasses to ensure that your frames are still in good shape. Addressing an early problem with a simple repair may save your glasses from breaking.