MALVERN Hills Lions are asking residents to donate unwanted spectacles to help eye care in developing countries.

In the wake of World Sight Day on Thursday, October 13, the club will be making an extra effort to collect used prescription glasses, and non-prescription sunglasses, as part of the Lions' recycling programme.

They will be cleaned, categorised by prescription and prepared for distribution in developing countries where eye care is often unavailable or inaccessible.

The Malvern Hills Club is currently collecting and recycling over 500 pairs a month and so far has collected 70,000 pairs in total.

As Lions Clubs International celebrates its first 100 years this year, Malvern president Dave Jeavons hopes the club can hit the target of 100,000 pairs of glasses.

The Lions fund eye camps in remote villages with people attending who often have to travel for anything up to seven hours to get there.

Roger Orgill of the Lions said: “Nothing from the used spectacles collected goes to waste, and the service really helps people who previously had no eye care whatsoever.

"Our club thanks all of the businesses who help us and especially people in the town who pass on their unwanted specs. They can be assured they will make a difference to many peoples’ lives.”

COLLECTION SITES.

MALVERN.

Studio K, Richmond Road; Evans Chemist, Worcester Road, Malvern Link; Murrays Healthcare, Worcester Road, Malvern Link; Malvern Pharmacy Group, Maple Road; Murrays Healthcare, New Court Surgery and Malvern Health Centre, all at Prospect View; Lygon Pharmacy, Link Top; Claremont House Pharmacy, Church Street; Murrays Healthcare, Church Street; Barnards Green Opticians, Barnards Green Road; Value Vision, Church Walk; John and Diane Miller Opticians, Church Street; Waller and Waller, Edith Walk; Tromans Family Eyecare, Worcester Road, Malvern Link; Whiteacres Medical Centre, Maple Road; Link End Surgery, Pickersleigh Road, Malvern Link; St Saviours Surgery, Merick Road; Storer Court, Geraldine Road; Clarence Park Village, Worcester Road, Malvern Link.

COLWALL.

Colwall Pharmacy, Walwyn Road.

LEDBURY.

John and Diane Miller Opticians, High Street.

UPTON.

Upton Eyecare, Old Street; Upton Surgery, Tunnel Hill.