Redditch residents donate more than 500 pairs of glasses to improve sight in Africa

Residents at Terryspring Court, in West Avenue, collected the pairs for international charity, Vision Aid Overseas (VAO), which provides eye tests and glasses to help those living in poverty in counties such as Ethiopia, Ghana and Zambia, who have little or no access to eyecare.

The team at Terryspring Court, which is run by the ExtraCare Charitable Trust, were introduced to the idea of collecting old glasses for the charity by Specsavers Healthcall who look after the eyecare needs of many of the retirement village’s residents.

Terryspring Court manager Zoe Hopkins said: "We’re so proud to be able to donate all these pairs of glasses to VAO. It’s a simple yet effective initiative, and one that we will continue to support."

The donated spectacles are recycled to generate income to support overseas programmes.

Chris Smith, director of Specsavers Healthcall in Redditch, added: "The work that VAO does is so important for those in developing countries who are affected by poor vision and this is a small way in which we can help."

Specsavers Healthcall provides eyecare services at home to those who cannot visit a high street optician unaccompanied due to physical or mental disability.

To donate your unwanted specs pop them into Terryspring Court or for more information on the Specsavers Healthcall visit specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests.