Spectacles for Sri Lanka Project

Background

There is a great need in Sri Lanka for the provision of spectacles.  Poor people cannot afford them, and there is no Government support for this, so many (especially elderly) people have to struggle to read, watch television, or undertake everyday tasks.

For some years Lakshman Gallage, a member of Stroud Rotary, has been collecting used spectacles in considerable quantities through his contact with the local branch of Specsavers.  Private individuals have taken batches of spectacles to Sri Lanka, where LG has a cousin who is an optician.   He is able to source simple lens quite cheaply,  but frames are very expensive.  With the frames supplied by LG he is able to provide spectacles to needy people at low cost. 

Events organised by the Rotary Club of Panadura are held at which people can have their sight tested, and if a suitable pair of spectacles is already available, they can be fitted with them at the same visit.  If not, spectacles are prepared and fitted at a subsequent visit.  Individuals who can pay towards the spectacles do so, otherwise the provision is free, sponsored by various groups. 

Over 110,000 pairs have already been supplied in this way.  

If you are one of the millions of people in the UK who wear spectacles, try this simple test. 

1. Take them off. 
2. Now try to imagine what your life would be without them – no books, no TV, can't see the grand-children clearly ….