Cymbrowitz Launches Eyeglass Collection Drive For The Needy

Got some old frames lying around? Why not perform a public service and give them away?

Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz announced this week that he is launching an eyeglass collection drive to help the needy.

The glasses will be donated to New Eyes for the Needy, a not-for-profit that for more than 80 years has helped people around the world receive better access to eye care. Donated glasses are sent overseas to medical missions and charities in developing countries. Last year, the organization recycled 250,000 used eyeglasses, according to their website.

“It is unfortunate and unnecessary that so many people live with impaired vision simply because they can’t afford glasses,” Cymbrowitz said in a press release. “This eyeglass collection drive is a win-win. Those who donate will feel good knowing that their unused glasses are helping people in need and individuals who can’t afford to buy glasses will receive a gift that could change their lives.”

The cost of visual impairment is enormous. An estimated 285 million people are visually impaired worldwide, which is expected to cost the global economy more than $3.5 trillion by 2020, according to the International Federation on the Aging. And although 80 percent of all visual impairment can be corrected or cured, many people in the developing world are not able to afford treatment, such as prescription glasses.

You can donate your glasses by dropping them off at Cymbrowitz’s district office (1800 Sheepshead Bay Road), which is open Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Or you can take your glasses to the offices of optometrists Drs. Wilck, Schwartz and Novak, who are partnering with Cymbrowitz on the initiative. Their offices are located at 445 Kings Highway, near Dahill Road, and are open Monday, 10am to 6pm, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am to 5pm, Thursday, 10am to 6pm, and Saturday, 9:30am to 2pm.