Day 3: Donated Eye Glasses

All of my life I have had terrible vision. If I took off my glasses or contacts, I probably couldn't even read the screen I am staring at right now. I have always complained about how much of a hassle and inconvenience it was to have to put in my contacts or wear my glasses. In retrospect, I should have been thankful that I even had access to these things. Around 100 million people world wide are in need of eyeglasses, but do not have access or the means to afford them. In Africa, about three months salary is required to afford eye glasses. Here in the US, about 15% of the population that needs glasses cannot afford them. So today, my random act of kindness is to help a couple of people get access to better sight. Recently my company, ZocDoc, gave us a gift card for a free pair of glasses from a company in New York called Warby Parker. Warby Parker's mission is to give people access to affordable eyeglasses, and for every pair purchased, they will donate a brand new pair of glasses to a third world country. I went to Warby Parker's website and picked out a new pair of glasses. Now, combined with their Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program, two people will be receiving a new pair of glasses. The Lions Club of Chicago collects new and used prescription glasses that they sort and donate to those in need. Also, Pearle Vision has a program where you can take you used and worn glasses for refurbishment. So if you have any old glasses laying around, please donate them because there is someone out there who would love to see the world as you do.