SPECSAVERS Opticians in West Street is urging people in Farnham to dig out their old, unwanted glasses so they can be used to improve the eye health of those less fortunate in the developing world.

The plea comes ahead of World Glaucoma Week which takes place from Saturday, March 6, to Saturday, March 12.

Last year, Specsavers Farnham collected more than 1,000 old frames from their customers. The frames were then donated to Vision Aid Overseas – an international charity that is dedicated to fighting poverty by transforming access to eye care in developing countries.

The charity raises vital income to support their activities overseas by recycling old, donated frames in an environmentally friendly way. This includes giving people those all-important eye tests and treatment by training up local optometrists.

The role they play is vital in reaching nearly 640 million people (10 per cent of the world’s population) who are believed to be disadvantaged by poor vision and a lack of spectacles.

Diagnosis and treatment for one particular eye condition in developing countries remains of paramount importance in 2016. Glaucoma is the third most common cause of blindness and is responsible for 10 per cent of blindness worldwide.

Recent studies project that by 2020, almost 80 million people will be affected by glaucoma.

Lateef Iqbal, store director at Specsavers Farnham said: “We all know how precious our vision is and in the UK, we are lucky to have access to professionals who can assist with any eye health conditions.

“This is not the case in developing countries where poverty prevents children to the elderly getting access to eye care. In fact, 90 per cent of people who are visually impaired because they cannot get the glasses they need live in low and middle-income countries.

“By donating unwanted, out-of-date frames to this great cause, we can all play our small role in making a big difference. We have decided to make our plea now ahead of World Glaucoma Week as it would be great to get some momentum for this fantastic cause during a pivotal week in the charity’s calendar.”

To donate to the charity, visit the store at 119 West Street, where there is a collection point for unwanted frames.