AN OKEHAMPTON opticians is calling upon the community to donate their old specs to eyecare charity Vision Aid Overseas during National Eye Health Week.

Until September 27, Specsavers will be encouraging residents to root around their drawers at home for old glasses and bring them to the store, so they can be recycled to help provide eyecare services to people in Africa.

Specsavers Okehampton store director Karen Reader said: ‘There are many people in developing countries who don’t have easy access to high quality eyecare, so it’s essential that we continue to support charities like Vision Aid Overseas who can help change lives with their work.

‘We’re highlighting the importance of eyecare charities during National Eye Health Week, as a lot of people in the UK take their sight for granted. We’d like to invite everyone to think twice before throwing out old specs — come in store instead to help make a difference.’

The collected glasses are recycled and the charity will use the proceeds from selling the reusable materials to establish vision centres, train healthcare workers and give people eye examinations and treatment. 

Vision Aid Overseas celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and is dedicated to fighting poverty by transforming access to eyecare in developing countries. The charity works in six African countries to help combat the fact that 670- million people are disadvantaged by poor vision and a lack of glasses.

To donate your glasses pop into the store into the town centre.