By By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
Dec. 14, 2000
Not everyone can afford designer glasses. For that reason, the staff at LensCrafters lends a helping hand.
Throughout the year, employees of the local optical retailer work with teachers, schools and charity organizations to seek out those who need help getting eyeglasses.
But once a year, LensCrafters' Gift of Sight Hometown Day program devotes a morning to bringing the problem into clear focus.
Recently 18 local residents, referred to LensCrafters at Bonita Lakes Mall by the Salvation Army, received free examinations and glasses through the Gift of Sight program.
Rimorin said more than 16 million people in developing countries have been fitted with used eyeglasses donated to the Lions Club or LensCrafters. The donated glasses are cleaned, repaired, classified by prescription and shipped out to places where they are needed.
Experts say children should have their first eye exams by 6 months. A second exam should be done by age 3 and at first grade, and every two years after that.
The community service provided through Gift of Sight activities earned LensCrafters' 830 stores in the United States and Canada the President's Volunteer Action Award in 1994. In 1999, LensCrafters won the award for Excellence in Corporate Service.
This year's Gift of Sight program was made possible with help from the Lions Club of Meridian, Dr. Melanie Kiser and Dr. Al Lucas, Rimorin said.
Sharon White is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@themeridianstar.com.