North Bend Central NHS Launches Eyeglass Drive
The North Bend Central High School chapter of the National Honor Society is turning its focus toward a simple yet life-changing effort: collecting eyeglasses for individuals in need. The drive, which will run from September 15-October 15, invites community members to donate gently used prescription glasses, reading glasses, and even non-prescription sunglasses. Following this initial campaign, a donation box will be available at the high school for the remainder of the school year.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 120 million people worldwide live with visual impairment caused by uncorrected refractive errors such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. While these conditions can be easily diagnosed and corrected with eyeglasses, millions of people in low- and middle-income communities lack access to such basic vision care.
The impact of a single pair of donated eyeglasses can be profound. Children who receive corrective lenses gain the ability to focus in school, advancing their education and opportunities. Adults who experience corrected vision for the first time can return to the workforce, support their families, and live with greater independence.
Community members can bring their donations to collection boxes located at North Bend Central High School, North Bend Elementary, Platte Valley Bank, Medicine Man Pharmacy, and all three local churches.
Through this project, the students of North Bend Central NHS are demonstrating how small acts of generosity can create a ripple effect of positive change far beyond the local community.