New Eyes for the Needy

Non-profit organization providing eyeglasses to those in need

New Eyes for the Needy logo

New Eyes for the Needy is a non-profit organization based in the United States that focuses on providing eyeglasses to individuals who cannot afford them. Founded in 1932, the organization has helped improve the vision of millions of people around the world by recycling donated glasses and funding new prescription glasses for those in need.

History

New Eyes for the Needy was established during the Great Depression by Julia Lawrence Terry, a social worker who recognized the need for affordable eyewear among the impoverished. The organization began by collecting used eyeglasses, which were then refurbished and distributed to those who could not afford new ones. Over the years, New Eyes expanded its mission to include funding for new prescription glasses, particularly for children and adults in the United States.

Mission and Activities

The mission of New Eyes for the Needy is to improve the vision of those in need by providing them with eyeglasses. The organization achieves this through several key activities:

• Recycling Eyeglasses: New Eyes collects used eyeglasses from donors across the country. These glasses are sorted, cleaned, and categorized by prescription strength. The usable glasses are then distributed to international charitable organizations that provide them to individuals in developing countries.

• Voucher Program: In the United States, New Eyes provides vouchers for new prescription glasses to children and adults who cannot afford them. These vouchers are distributed through a network of social service agencies, schools, and clinics.

• Public Awareness: The organization also works to raise awareness about the importance of vision care and the impact of poor vision on quality of life.

Impact

Since its inception, New Eyes for the Needy has helped improve the vision of over 8 million people worldwide. The organization has distributed millions of pairs of glasses to individuals in over 75 countries. In the United States, the voucher program has provided new prescription glasses to thousands of individuals each year.

Celebrity Support

Jake Gyllenhaal, a supporter of New Eyes for the Needy

New Eyes for the Needy has received support from various celebrities, including actor Jake Gyllenhaal, who has helped raise awareness and funds for the organization. Celebrity endorsements have played a significant role in increasing the visibility of the organization's mission and encouraging donations.

Related pages

• Vision impairment
• Non-profit organization
• Eyeglass prescription