Giving back to our communities
Lens Doctors is involved in the communities we serve. We are active in local organizations and are committed to supporting those in need both within our communities and around the world. We play our part through a variety of initiatives within the Lens Doctors Eye To Eye program.
Eyeglass Collections and Overseas Donations
In many places around the world, people live with vision impairments, never having the opportunity for a vision exam or the benefit of a pair of corrective lenses. While regulations within the US do not allow donation of used eyeglasses, each of our offices serves as a collection site for unwanted eyeglasses for distribution to countries which do allow such donations.
The Lens Doctors Eye To Eye program partners with organizations such as Lions Club and VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity), which do mission trips overseas and distribute the eyeglasses for free to those who would never otherwise be able to see simple things like the details of leaves on trees or something as special as the warm smile of a child.
Free Eye Exams and Eyeglasses in Local Communities
- Schoolchildren: Through our partnership with Essilor Vision Foundation Lens Doctors Eye To Eye program has worked with local childen who attend Title 1 schools to provide free eye exams and eyeglasses. These are local children who do not even have the means to get to our office for a free exam. Free vision screenings have also been provided schoolchildren in the Manchester area through Lens Doctors’ partnership with the NH Fisher Cats. Lens Doctors Eye To EyeR program also supports a variety of community efforts in other local schools, including free back-to-school vision screenings.
- Seniors: Under the Lens Doctors Eye To Eye Program umbrella, we also assisted with free vision screenings for seniors at the Portsmouth Community Center.
- Homeless shelters: Eyecare vouchers have been provided to local homeless shelters for free exams and eyeglasses on behalf of Lens Doctors Eye To Eye program. Not being able to see clearly can impede even a willing worker from being able to perform a job satisfactorily and can make completing a simple job application an insurmountable challenge.
Food Donations
All four of the Lens Doctors’ offices participate in the annual canned food drive to benefit the NH Food Bank. Each autumn, our offices serve as a collection center for community donations of nutritious, non-perishable food items such as peanut butter, rice, pasta, cereal, canned fruit and vegetables, beans, tuna, meats, chili and soups. In addition, Lens Doctors donates $1 for each non-perishable item in our collection.
Toys For Tots
All Lens Doctors’ offices serve as a Toys for Tots drop-off location annually. Those wishing to donate can drop off a new, unwrapped toy(s) at any of our offices during the November-December collection period. Over 97% of donations made to Toys for Tots go to their mission of providing toys, books, and other gifts to less fortunate children.
Other Benefitting Charities
End 68 Hours Of Hunger
At our Dover and Portsmouth sunglass events in May 2016, Lens Doctors collected food donations for End 68 Hours of Hunger. This private, not-for-profit organization aims to confront the approximately 68 hours of hunger that some schoolchildren experience between the free lunch they receive in school on Friday afternoon and the free breakfast they receive in school on Monday morning.
Families In Transition
Our trunk show planned for autumn 2016 will benefit Families In Transition's work. This NH-based organization uses innovative and effective interventions to help homeless individuals and families overcome the cycle of homelessness to lead healthy and productive lives. Through the Lens Doctors Eye 2 Eye program, we will be collecting household home essentials and pantry items to support the efforts of this worthy cause.
