Sunglasses designed by patients will benefit hospital

December 3, 2010

Young patients at Phoenix Children's Hospital are giving back by designing sunglasses to be sold to benefit the medical center.

The Arizona Republic reports that a local company, Bought Sunglasses, has donated the frames for the youngsters to decorate.

Once the designs are complete, the company will insert lenses into the frames and sell them to raise money for the hospital.

"Not only will you be making a financial contribution to Children's Hospital, but you will start a conversation," Bought Sunglasses owner Ryan Parker told the news provider. "It can be a statement about what's important to you."

In addition to raising money for the hospital, spokeswoman Allison Otu says there's another advantage to the program.

"Art is a big part of our healing process here. It's a way people express themselves," she said.

One of the patients' designs will also be chosen to be manufactured and sold online.

The sunglasses are shatterproof and offer 100 percent UV protection, something the American Optometric Association says is important for consumers when purchasing shades.

The AOA urges Americans to take measures to protect their eyes from the sun's UV rays by wearing polarized sunglasses in order to decrease the risk of eye diseases and disorders.