Unite for Sight Eyeglass Drives
An Effective Practice
Description
More than one billion people in developing countries need eyeglasses but cannot afford them, while there are more than four million pairs of eyeglasses disposed of annually in North America. Collecting eyeglasses in local communities is a great way to involve students in improving conditions in developing countries, while applying concepts of disease prevention and control. Once the used prescription eyeglasses and non-prescription UV protected sunglasses are collected, Unite for Sight, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing blindness worldwide, brings them to African and Asian countries.
Goal / Mission
The goal of this program is to provide eyeglasses to people in developing countries and to involve students in improving conditions in developing countries.
Results / Accomplishments
With sixty chapters established at universities and medical schools, Unite for Sight has an international network of 1,500 students who work to build healthier communities through disease prevention, eye health promotion, and health education. In 2000-2001, the first year of the organization's founding, more than 1,200 pairs of eyeglasses were collected at Yale University and the University of Connecticut. During the 2003-2004 academic year, 10,000 eyeglasses were collected in universities and communities throughout the United States and Canada.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Unite for Sight
Primary Contact
Jennifer Staple, Founder, President & CEO
Unite for Sight
JStaple@uniteforsight.org
http://www.uniteforsight.org
Unite for Sight
JStaple@uniteforsight.org
http://www.uniteforsight.org
Topics
Health / Health Care Access & Quality
Health / Disabilities
Health / Medications & Prescriptions
Health / Disabilities
Health / Medications & Prescriptions
Organization(s)
Unite for Sight
Source
Corporation for National & Community Service
Date of publication
6/15/2004
Date of implementation
2000
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