By Nigel Little 

Glasses for children  in need around the world who might otherwise have no means of correcting their vision defect are increasingly being provided by specialist charities like New Eyes For The Needy who have developed strong expertise in both generating donations and securing a supply of used glasses which can be recycled for use by children of limited financial means. This US charity has boosted its profile by securing the support of leading Hollywood actor, Jake Gyllenhaal who is the star of current blockbuster ‘Source Code'. Gyllenhaal has had poor eyesight since childhood and as well as donating his old glasses to the charity he has also become a spokesman for the organisation as he explains: "It's important to do what you can to raise awareness for things that you care about and the things you believe in."

New Eyes For The Needy provides recycled prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, sunglasses and eyeglass cases to many different organizations and individuals for distribution both in developing nations as well as to under-privileged communities in the US. The importance of providing glasses for children  cannot be understated since good vision ensures they can progress at school and participate fully in classroom activities which are critical in combating the major problem of illiteracy to remove one of the key constraints on subsequently finding employment. Equally, by addressing visual impairment at as early an age as possible, this provides the best means of ensuring the condition does not worsen more rapidly with the associated risk that it becomes more severe and perhaps even untreatable.

Other charities like Unite For Sight work with local communities to provide financial and clinical support in establishing centres where people of all ages can be examined and the appropriate corrective treatment provided including surgery if necessary. Again, the importance of ensuring that children with vision problems have access to the appropriate clinical care is fully recognised. This charity relies on donations to fund its work and also acts as a distribution partner to New Eyes For The Needy in enabling glasses for children  to be supplied in a number of developing countries where Unite For Sight is active. With high profile celebrities like Jake Gyllenhaal promoting such a worthy cause, it is hoped that increased donations can be sourced even in a difficult economic environment.

Check if your child is suitable for overnight ortho-k corrective contact lenses  for children.