Eyeglasses for Struggling Kentucky Families

Since last September's report, New Eyes has provided an additional 318 Kentucky residents with new prescription eyeglasses (a 78% increase from the prior reporting period!), 10 of whom received their glasses thanks to donations made through GlobalGiving. The total number of low-income Kentuckians helped through GlobalGiving donations is 186: 85 women, 64 men and 37 children.

New Eyes worked directly with 20 social service agencies in Kentucky to provide their clients with the simple, yet critical, tool of eyeglasses. Since September, 12 children, 189 women and 129 men were assisted with new eyeglasses (children receive two!). Eight-three percent of the adults and all of the children's families were working poor; the remainder were either senior citizens on traditional Medicare or disabled adults. Traditional Medicare does not pay for eyeglasses for seniors. Medicaid does not pay for eyeglasses in Kentucky for adults and provides only one pair for a child per year (if the child's prescription changes or if they lose or break their eyeglasses, they must wait a full year before they receive another pair). These recipients would not have been able to afford the glasses they need to see clearly and improve their lives. Because of the funding through GlobalGiving, these children can go to school prepared to succeed; adults will be able to find employment or improve job performance and senior citizens will be able to live more securely and independently, able to read medication labels, avoid falling hazards and move more freely. 

Your support has been key to allowing so many financially struggling Kentuckians to build better lives for themselves, their families and communities. Thank you for your generosity and understanding the need for clear vision for everyone, regardless of income level.

With gratitude,

Jean Gajano, Executive Director

Links:

• New Eyes website