Group’s vision to bring sight to poor countries
Many people wake up each morning to a blurred world. They slide eyeglasses onto their face or put contacts into their eyes, and their world becomes clear. However, this is not the case for millions of people living in less-developed countries. The EYEsee organization seeks to end this form of poverty.
EYEsee was founded at Saint Viator in 2008 by then 16-year-old Janice Guzon. While on a trip to visit her family in the Philippines, Janice noticed how few people wore eyeglasses. The reality was that, even though those people most likely needed eyeglasses, there was no service to provide them. When Guzon came home, she took action. She researched the issue and then got in contact with Saint Viator about starting EYEsee. Initially, the collected glasses were sent to the Philippines, but now, eyeglasses are sent to over ten different countries on four continents.
“I was in awe of the fact that Janice acted on her heart … and developed an international nonprofit organization,” said Mrs. JoAnne Francis, the current moderator.
The mission of EYEsee is to support the end of poverty by collecting used eyeglasses and sunglasses. Collections are held throughout the year at local parishes, such as Saint James, and optical clinics. Every few weeks, EYEsee members are at the local parish drives to spread the word about the organization. The glasses collected from these drives are counted, labeled and shipped to physicians who deliver them to third-world countries.
“It is not only an outreach [program] but also a service opportunity that addresses a crisis that a lot of people are not aware of,” said junior Paulina Piwowarczyk, the current student leader.
Overall, EYEsee is an organization that started with the goal of alleviating poverty and now is completing that goal as it helps people throughout the world to see.
“EYEsee will help people already at the disadvantage of poverty to get a better standard of living and will really make a difference,” said Piwowarczyk.
To get involved, contribute to the drive that will be held at Saint Viator in January.
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