The College of Optometrists

05 October 2005

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KODAK Lens is pleased to announce the launch of the KODAK Lens Second Sight Project, a unique project being run by KODAK Lens Vision Centres in partnership with Vision Aid Overseas.

Vision Aid Overseas is a charity dedicated to helping people in developing countries whose lives are blighted by poor eyesight, particularly in cases where spectacles can help. The idea of the KODAK Lens Second Sight Project is simple; to encourage people in the UK to donate their old spectacles together with a £1 donation (or more) at any one of the 32 KODAK Lens Vision Centres around the country. By marrying the donation of money and spectacles the KODAK Lens Second Sight Project will ensure that the donated glasses actually reach one of the rural areas of the third world where Vision Aid volunteer opticians are working, ready to be given to those who need spectacles most.

In Britain, having an eye test and acquiring a pair of glasses is very straightforward. In poorer countries glasses are out of reach to all but the privileged. According to Vision Aid Overseas there are 200 million people in the developing world who simply need a pair of spectacles in order to lead a normal life. The KODAK Lens Second Sight Project will make a difference to people’s lives.

The glasses and lenses collected by KODAK Lens Vision Centres will be sorted and cleaned, the lenses will be tested and their power assessed. They will then be packaged and transported overseas. A Vision Aid Overseas volunteer optometrist, based anywhere from India to Ethiopia, will then be able to carry out a professional eye examination and provide someone with a much needed pair of spectacles. The KODAK Lens Second Sight Project is a unique partnership between KODAK Lens and Vision Aid Overseas, one that both parties hope will raise awareness for the work of Vision Aid Overseas, thereby helping the developing world to see.

“"Vision Aid Overseas is transforming the lives of thousands of patients each year, but there are still many more to reach! By supporting the KODAK Lens Second Sight Project you will have the opportunity to help the world to see." (Tym Marsh - Director of Vision Aid Overseas)

“We feel passionately about this project, and feel that together we will make a real difference to hundreds of people’s lives….” (Nicky Mills, KODAK Lens Vision Centre)

For further information visit www.secondsightproject.com