I often wonder how many pairs of old glasses we have stashed away in drawers and side cabinets at home.Only when we have mislaid our 'Best Pair' do we scurry around looking for that old set that we are sure is hiding somewhere.

The luxury of spare pairs of glasses is something that a lot of the third world peoples do not have.Health awareness has been thankfully promoted by Vision Aid Overseas .They actively provide health and education to countries such as Uganda ,Kenya and Cameroon.

Many of my optician colleagues have gone voluntarily for a 2 week Stint to help out at hastily arranged camps where they test the local peoples eyes and dispense as many people glasses which have been donated by the the great British public.

Most of the large multiple opticians have collection boxes from time to time in which you are invited to drop in your old pairs of glasses.

The glasses are then cleaned and checked by volunteer prisoners [so well done to them].

Unfortunately due to the intensity of sunlight ,the uv rays produce early cataracts to people as young as 30 years of age.The importance of eye protection through uv sunglasses could not be higher.

Young healthy adults who rely on their eyes for needlework and craftwork are literally redundant by the age of 35.Only by more support from the UK  and like minded countries can preventative measures be put in place to help our African neighbours