Eyeglasses for Struggling Kentucky Families

Dear Supporter,

“New Eyes for Kentucky” continues to enable eye care access for low income Kentucky residents by providing  them with the simple, yet critical, tool of eyeglasses. Since 1932, New Eyes has made a postive impact on the in the lives of financially struggling children, adults and seniors with the clear vision they receive from our eyeglasses. It is a 94-year old mission that is as important and relevant today as it was at our founding in 1932.

Since our last report in December 2025, New Eyes has assisted 139 Kentuckians: 7 children, 77 women and 62 men, bringing the past year's total to 589 individuals in need in Kentucky at an average cost of $23.76 per pair of glasses. Compare that to the current $244 U.S. average cost of new eyeglasses. Our clients struggle to pay rent, food, medical and childcare bills, making a new pair of glasses a luxury when it is truly a necessity. They now have the clear vision to improve their live: children through better education; adults through employment; and the elderly through independence and security. 

The National Institutes of Health state that uncorrected refractive error (difficulty seeing near or far) is responsible for visual impairment in 8.24 million Americans who do not have eyeglasses due to cost and access. That number is expected to double by 2050. No doubt New Eyes has more work to do in the coming years. We will count on partners like GlobalGiving so that those in need get the tool to independence, success, confidence and so much more – the tool of eyeglasses!

With deep gratitude,

Jean Gajano, Executive Director

Links:

• Visit our website

Dear Supporter,

New Eyes for Kentucky” continues to open doors to eye-care access for low-income residents across the state by providing the simple, yet life-changing, tool of prescription eyeglasses. Since 1932, New Eyes has transformed lives by delivering clear vision to financially struggling children, adults and seniors. Now in our 93rd year, our mission remains as vital as ever.

Since our last report, New Eyes has assisted 222 Kentuckians, ages 5 to 90—including 23 children, 118 women, and 81 men. This brings Kentucky’s total for the past year to 793 individuals who received eyeglasses through our program. Each pair was provided at an average cost of $23.76, a fraction of the current $244 U.S. average cost of new glasses, according to VSP Vision.

For the individuals we serve—people who are already struggling to keep up with rent, food, medical costs and childcare—eyeglasses are not optional. They are a necessity that many simply cannot afford. Clear vision enables better learning, stronger employment opportunities, greater independence and renewed confidence. And with more than 11 million Americans who need but cannot afford glasses (CDC), our work is far from finished.

I want to share an email from a Kentucky eyeglasses recipient that speaks directly to the impact your support makes possible:

“I am extremely thankful for the New Eyes program as it has provided me with access to new glasses that I would otherwise be unable to afford on my own. This program is an invaluable resource for individuals and families facing financial hardships. Living life with poor vision made it hard to fully experience the world around me, but with my new glasses, I can see clearly and enjoy life as it’s meant to be. I extend my deepest appreciation for the exceptional work you are doing—your efforts are creating a meaningful and lasting impact!” — Deirdre, 37, Manchester, KY

Thanks to partners like GlobalGiving—and supporters like you—New Eyes can continue restoring sight, dignity and opportunity to those in need. Together, we are changing lives in Kentucky one pair of glasses at a time.

With deep gratitude,
Jean Gajano, Executive Director

Links:

• New Eyes website