Students make glasses for those in need

January 3, 2011

Students studying to be opticians at Michigan's Baker College recently got some real experience making eyeglasses for a good cause.

According to the Jackson Citizen Patriot newspaper, eight students along with the director of the school's opticianry program made 300 pairs of eyeglasses which will be donated to individuals in need throughout the world.

"It's nice to give back," Randy Smith, director of the opticianry program told the news provider. "When you know you can make a difference in someone's life, it's really good. The rewards can be tremendous."

Smith said that he and the students worked for three weeks to make the glasses, which are bound for either Africa or Paraguay.

The project is a partnership between the National Federation of Opticianry Schools and OneSight, a charitable organization that is dedicated to improving the vision of those in need throughout the world.

Unlike optometrists, who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases, injuries and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, opticians dispense eyewear including eyeglasses, contact lenses and other optical devices.