HUNDREDS of pairs of old specs from Burnley and Pendle will help bring new sight to people in the third world.

The collection is being co-ordinated by Boots Opticians assistant Sharon Brown, and she readily admits she has been staggered by local folks' response and goodwill.

Work on the collection started only a few weeks ago, but already Sharon has sent off 600 pairs to begin their recycled life on the other side of the world.

Batches of spectacles are sorted out according to their strengths and the prescriptions for each lens carefully analysed.

Ophthalmic health workers connected with the charity Sight Savers International then match the spectacles to the needs of people seen at field clinics.

Said Sharon: "The response has been brilliant, and some people have even given spare cash to help with the work of the charity. Every little helps, and it is going to mean so much to families in underprivileged parts of the world."

Charity field workers say families are more likely to slide into poverty if their breadwinner can't see well enough to work and grandparents with failing eyesight feel a burden. Children fall behind in their schooling and are less likely to be able to support their families in later life.

Added Sharon: "We need glasses of all sizes. It has been wonderful to see everything from reading specs to children's glasses. Some look like new because they have only been worn a few months before the users needed new prescriptions. They will all make such a difference."

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