Donations of specs give clearer vision for the future

Gil Pilon, Mairaid Hamilton and Pamela Stewart from Specsavers in Kirkcaldy with some of the donated specs. Pic credit: Fife Photo Agency

Last year they handed in more than 2500 pairs of unused spectacles to Specsavers opticians in the town which were then donated to eyecare charity Vision Aid Overseas (VAO).

Specsavers Kirkcaldy is a collection point for VAO and throughout 2017 the High Street opticians was able to hand over more than 2500 pairs thanks to the generosity of customers.

The charity provides eyecare and glasses for people in developing countries, who otherwise would not have access to help. It raises money by collecting old glasses for recycling.

Kathryn Thompson, director of Specsavers in Kirkcaldy, said: “The continued support we’ve had from locals has been brilliant and I am thrilled we are able to donate another batch of frames for a great cause.

“Vision Aid Overseas is a fantastic charity and Specsavers has been a proud supporter of it for many years. Unfortunately, there are people who don’t have access to basic eyecare and don’t have the luxury of an opticians. The work that VAO does can make a remarkable difference to their lives.

“I’d like to thank our customers for all their donations and encourage them to continue handing in their old and unwanted specs.”

Anyone with glasses they no longer need can take them in to Specsavers on Kirkcaldy High Street.

VSO is also inviting teams of four to take part in The Hairy Haggis Team Relay on May 27 as part of the Edinburgh Marathon.