The majority of the world’s population suffers from some sort of sight loss. It is estimated that around 2.5 billion people cannot see clearly without wearing visual aids. For the most part, this is simply down to the aging process. To be able to see as they did when they were younger, most people only need to wear the right prescription glasses or contact lenses.

Unfortunately, an awful lot of them simply cannot afford to do that. They do not have the necessary money to buy what the need. Even if they do, in some cases, there are not enough opticians to test their eyes and write the prescription they need. It is a huge problem, but, one that we could all potentially play a part in solving.

Buy your glasses from a firm that sponsors a sight charity

For example, firms like EyeBuyDirect.com regularly donate glasses to those in need. They are a part of the Essilor Group whose aim is to eliminate poor vision and the negative consequences that arise from this issue. One of the schemes they run means that every time you buy a set of glasses you know that another set will be sent to someone who cannot afford to buy any themselves.

Other glasses retailers are members of similar schemes. Usually, you can find out whether they are by clicking through to read the about us page. Or, by scrolling to the bottom of their home page and seeing if there is a link to a donation scheme that they support.

Donate your old glasses

You may also want to donate your old glasses to an organization that will repair and restore them. Again, once that is done, they will be sent to a country where they can be reused.

The great thing about these types of schemes is that you will also be helping the planet. Every year, millions of eyeglasses end up in landfill. This is especially the case in countries like South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, where between 80% and 90% of urban adults wear eyeglasses.

If you are interested in making sure that your glasses do not end up in landfill there are a couple of other things you could do. For example, invest in a set of good quality frames that you can continue to use for many years. Most opticians will happily change the lenses.

Buying a good case will help too. Your glasses will last longer and it will be more likely that they can be refurbished and used by someone else.

Spend less and donate some cash to a sight charity

The other thing you could consider doing is spending a little less on your next pair of new glasses. You could then make a cash donation to help someone in need. For example, you could pay for a friend’s next eye exam or leave some cash with the optician to cover the cost of a homeless person’s eye examination. Or, simply make a donation to a sight-related charity.