Schools collect unwanted eye glasses for people in need around the world

Seventy-four pairs of disused eye glasses, collected by Summit Learning Trust’s eight schools and sixth form college, have been donated to people in need around the world - thanks to the Lions Clubs Recycle for Sight project.

Lions clubs have been collecting and recycling unwanted spectacles since 1967 and donate over 1.5million pairs each year to eye clinics in 25 countries, including Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Nigeria and Nepal.

Glasses which cannot be reused are recycled for materials, with money generated used to support eye related projects in the UK and overseas.

Throughout October, donation boxes have been open across the Summit family of schools in Birmingham and the West Midlands: Erdington Hall Primary, Kineton Green Primary, Pegasus Primary, The Oatland Primary, Yarnfield Primary, Cockshut Hill School, Lyndon School and Ninestiles, an Academy, plus Solihull Sixth Form College.

Sunglasses, children’s glasses, and glasses of every shape and size were donated.

The glasses will now be passed to Lady Diana Crabtree Member of St John, who has been supporting the Lions Club campaign for the last five years.

Over this period, she has collected over 50,000 spectacles each year from various shops, community groups, schools and friends in the West Midlands, repurposing spectacles from landfill. Empowering everyone in need is one of her passions.

Lady Diana said: “This is utterly amazing and thank you from all those that will benefit from your generosity in the future.”

Vince Green, CEO, Summit Learning Trust, said: “Good eye care is critical for health and wellbeing, and this is especially important to help young people engage positively in their education and achieve their academic potential.

“Sadly, too many people in the UK and around the world struggle with the cost of glasses – yet lots of us have old pairs lying around and nowhere useful to dispose them.

“This is a fantastic solution and I have been delighted with the support our communities have shown.”