Avenal refurbishes 1 million pairs of eyeglasses

August 7, 2024

Lions Club member Stuart Griffin addresses the group.

A million lives have been changed thanks to refurbished eyeglasses through Avenal State Prison and the Lions In Sight program.

This California/Nevada non-profit program provides otherwise unavailable eyeglasses to vision-impaired residents of developing countries. Lions In Sight members recently visited Avenal prison’s braille and eyeglass program to celebrate a historic achievement.

As of June 3, Facility F’s Central Valley Eyeglasses Recycle Center has sanitized, neutralized, and recycled one million pairs of eyeglasses.

How does the Avenal eyeglasses project work?

The Lions volunteers collect thousands of prescription eyeglasses and bring them to the institution where they are sanitized and refurbished. Then the glasses are picked up and taken to clinics worldwide. During these multi-day clinics, hundreds of people are given the gift of sight with eyeglasses refurbished through the program.

The Lions group brought seven of their members to have a luncheon for the incarcerated program participants to thank them for their hard work. The Lions members shared stories about the mission clinics and how the participants have impacted people’s lives worldwide.

One Lion member shared the touching story of a woman who could see her grandchildren’s faces for the first time because of the program. The incarcerated participants also shared stories of how the program has positively impacted them, feeling like they are part of something bigger than themselves.

“While I’m at work, I know I’m doing something helpful,” said one incarcerated participant. “But when I hear stories like the ones the Lions told today and see the photos and videos of the clinics, it hits home and is so inspirational. I love this program.”

Marking 16 years since program founded

This luncheon also included a celebration to mark the program’s 16 years of service.

Jeffrey Roundy, one of the founding members of the Eyeglass Recycling Program at Avenal, has been involved since it started July 31, 2008.

Roundy was presented with a certificate of appreciation from Lions In Sight of California/Nevada’s Chief Operating Officer, William Iannaccone. They thanked him for his continued efforts and commitment to ensuring the Lions In-Sight program continues at Avenal State Prison.

Submitted by Lt. Ashley R. Schuller