OneSight have launched an appeal to collect 50,000 pairs of second hand glasses to help disadvantaged communities around the world. OneSight Foundation, a non-for-profit charity, is calling on Australians to dig out their old pairs of glasses and recycle them through OPSM stores nationwide.

By recycling pre-loved glasses at OPSM during the appeal, Australians can make a huge difference to the 250 million individuals worldwide who cannot see simply because they cannot access or cannot afford basic eye care.

Donated eyewear is cleaned, repaired and classified by prescription in stores, before being catalogued in a global computer system. The glasses are then hand-delivered to disadvantaged communities during OneSight clinics in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, India, Mexico and South Africa.

Each clinic runs for two weeks, where a team of volunteer optometrists, optical dispensers and other staff help approximately 20,000 to 25,000 people. Around 50,000 pairs of recycled glasses are required for each clinic to ensure there are enough glasses to find the right prescription for everyone.

In addition to these overseas missions, OneSight Foundation also runs Australian programs that benefit disadvantaged Australians with free eye exams and free new eyewear.