A MOUNTAIN of spectacles will shortly head its way to help the sight of people in the developing world following generous donations to a Colchester opticians.
More than 5,000 unwanted pairs of glasses have been handed to Specsavers, in Long Wyre Street, since a recycling scheme was launched in May.
The recycled glasses will be checked and logged by Vision Aid Overseas before being sent to specialist clinics and volunteer groups to be handed out to people in need.
The store will also donate 6,000 optical lenses to the charity.
Store director Nick Hagan said: “I would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who donated their unwanted specs to our appeal.
“Eyecare is something that we take for granted in the UK because there is an optician on most of our high streets. For many people though this is not the case.
“In some countries children are unable to finish their education, parents cannot work to support their families and grandparents have never seen their grandchildren. In some of these cases all they need is an eye test and some glasses.”
Vision Aid Overseas is currently working to establish vision centres in each of Zambia’s nine provinces, having raised £250,000 to fund its first School of Optometry.
Donations are still being accepted at the Colchester store.