THE Lions Club of Chepstow and Caldicot have embarked on a quest to collect as many old pairs of spectacles as they possibly can as part of the Sightfirst Project started by Lions Club International in 1990.

The Sightfirst projects help to build comprehensive eye care systems in underserved communities so that high quality, low cost, and sustainable vision services can be provided.

The Sightfirst projects address several specific areas of vision and the development of comprehensive eye care systems throughout the world, including: cataracts, childhood blindness, diabetic retinopathy, eye health education, low vision, rehabilitation and education for persons who are blind or visually impaired, river blindness (prevalent in Africa), trachoma and uncorrected refractive error.

All Lions clubs throughout the world collect old eye glasses, which are then sent to centres run by Lions International to be graded and refurbished. These glasses are then sent to those counties in need like India, Africa, Chile and Peru.

Chepstow and Caldicot Lions would be delighted to have your old spectacles. They can be collected directly or can be taken to The Palmer Centre in Chepstow and St David's Hospice shop where there are collection boxes already sited.

If you require any further information regarding Sightfirst or collection, contact Rowland Searle on 01291 420012.

Chepstow and Caldicot Lions meet the first Wednesday of every month at Dewstow Golf club commencing at 8pm.