New Eyes for the Needy Addresses Lack of Access to Affordable Prescription Eyeglasses

For many Americans who are struggling with the expensive cost of childcare, groceries, and housing, improved vision – namely, a pair of prescription eyeglasses – is often viewed as a luxury rather than a necessity.  In response,  New Eyes for the Needy, headquartered in Short Hills,  is launching a “Double Your Donation” campaign, to raise funds to bring clear vision to those who need it the most.  

The campaign kicks off with a matching $100,000 donation from an anonymous donor, who will match every subsequent donation up to $100,000, making each donation twice as impactful. 

The campaign is running through January 2019, and donations can be made by visiting www.new-eyes.org. 

“While there’s global awareness of the lack of access to prescription eyeglasses, most Americans don’t realize that there are families living right in their city, or attending school alongside their children, who can’t afford to buy a pair of prescription eyeglasses,” said Jean Gajano, Executive Director, New Eyes for the Needy. “Eyeglasses, on average, cost $196, which is prohibitively expensive for many individuals.  It’s a huge problem hidden in plain sight, and New Eyes is dedicated to bringing clear vision to residents of New Jersey and throughout the United States.”  

Actor/producer Jake Gyllenhaal is an advocate and spokesperson for New Eyes for the Needy. 

"I've struggled with poor vision since I was a kid, and cannot conceive of a life without glasses and contact lenses,” said Gyllenhaal. “For almost fifty years, my family has been doing its small part by ritually donating our old frames to New Eyes for the Needy. And now, with the Double Your Donation campaign, we all have a chance to make the maximum impact on our brothers and sisters around the world who have a right to see clearly."    

 Since 1932, New Eyes has been providing new prescription eyeglasses for low income U.S. residents.  In addition, the non-profit recycles gently used glasses overseas for distribution in developing countries.

New Eyes purchases prescription eyeglasses for people in the United States where eligible recipients can receive a new pair of eyeglasses by working through a social service agency or a school nurse or other health advocate.  To be eligible for the program, applicants must be in financial need, completed a recent eye exam, and have no other resources available to them to pay for glasses, including federal or state programs or assistance from local charitable organizations. 

In 2016, New Eyes launched the 20/20 for 2020 campaign, which is on track to raise $1,000,000 and collect 1,000,000 pairs of gently used glasses by the year 2020.