Eyeglasses for Struggling Kentucky Families

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

Dear Supporter,

”New Eyes For Kentucky” continues to be a critical program for so many financially struggling Kentuckians who need but cannot afford the invaluable tool of new eyeglasses and clear vision to improve their lives – and we thank you for your support in making deep impacts on so many lives.

Since our last report in April, our program has assisted an additional 205 low-income Kentucky residents by providing them with new eyeglasses. They include 15 children, 111 women and 79 men. Over the last twelve months, we have helped 567 Kentuckians in need receive new glasses at a cost of $13,426, an average price of $23.68. This includes prescriptions of all kinds – high, low, bifocal, single-vision, complicated and simple. Compared to the $230 average cost of glasses in the U.S., we are stretching our donors’ dollars thanks to our special partnerships in the optical industry and our efficient and streamlined application and delivery model.

We hear directly from our clients about the cost and difficulty they face when trying to buy eyeglasses. Many have gone years without new glasses. Since 1932, New Eyes has stood by these individuals, changing lives one pair of glasses at a time so they can build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. We know clear vision matters and the need continues to grow. Studies and statistics confirm it:

• Nearly 70% of American adults need vision correction (NIH)
• Of adults needing glasses, 1in11 (9%) could not afford them (CDC)
• About 13.6% of low-income Americans reported unable to afford glasses (CDC)
• 43% of Americans delay eye care due to cost visionmonday.com

With partners like GlobalGiving, New Eyes is changing lives with the simple, yet critical tool of eyeglasses – and we thank you all for your support.

With deep gratitude,

Jean Gajano, Executive Director

Links:

• New Eyes website