Reading Glasses for the 3rd World

**Mark Sachs** · 08-28-2003, 04:20 PM

Dear OptiBoarders--

I have been in optical for over 15 years. During that time, I had the opportunity to go on a couple of optical missions to 3rd world countries where we gave exams and recycled eyeglasses. They were great experiences and I'm looking for a way to build on the idea of giving something back to others.

So, I have started a non-profit which will source reading glasses (only) and supply them @ n/c to missions going to 3rd world countries. (I've talked to a number of groups who all say they never have enough--40% or more, reading glasses to meet the need.) We hope to be the single source groups can come to for all their reader needs.

I'm working with reader manufacturers to obtain their cosmetic 2nds, overstocks and discontinued glasses. I'm also approaching companies and foundations for cash donations--which will be used to purchase inexpensive readers.

I'm appealing to members of OptiBoard for input, leads to groups, reader cos., or possible funders. I welcome your suggestions on how to make this project a success. (I currently do have 501/c/3 status. My board includes optical as well as non-optical professionals.)

Thank you for your input.

Regards,
Mark Sachs

**Deepak** · 08-29-2003, 06:42 AM

try china,iniad or far east.can get as low as 50 pence

**DebSpecs** · 10-12-2007, 03:42 PM

Hi, Mark. We have a few reading glasses that we can donate. Please contact Burt Burk. You can find the phone number and contact information on http://www.DebSpecs.com Tell him Farrell made the referral. Good luck, sounds like you are on a worthy mission!

**Oedema** · 10-12-2007, 03:46 PM

Scojo Foundation may be of interest to you.
http://www.scojofoundation.org/

**Judy Canty** · 10-12-2007, 04:17 PM

FYI...very old thread.

**DebSpecs** · 10-12-2007, 04:55 PM

Oops! Too bad forum posts don't brown like an old newpaper article.

**chip anderson** · 10-12-2007, 11:54 PM

If they could read (something beside the Koran), they wouldn't be third world.

**braheem24** · 10-13-2007, 12:45 AM

Originally Posted by chip anderson

If they could read (something beside the Koran), they wouldn't be third world.

Most "Muslim countries" are not usually the recipients of "third world" donations from U.S. 501c3s it's usually South America, Eastern Europe and Africa.

The average "Muslim country" tends to place a very high regard to education when they're not being colonized or at war squibbeling over gerrymandering setup by the colonial powers to keep them divided since the 1950s.

Uneducated Muslims that read the Quran were the founders of hundreds of things you take for granted including cataract surgery which was done 600 years in the Middle East before the West.

Not only is your comment insulting but ignorant especially considering your profession, Muslims are considered the pioneers of optics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophthal...medieval_Islam

**Chris Ryser** · 10-13-2007, 03:55 AM

Originally Posted by Mark Sachs

Thank you for your input.

Regards,
Mark Sachs

Posted 4 years ago

08-28-2003, 05:20 PM

**DebSpecs** · 10-15-2007, 10:22 AM

Are such racist and inhumane remarks such as Chip's going to be allowed to stay posted here? This is a professional forum, not a right wing sounding board for idiots. (I can tolerate right wing, just not idiots). thank you.

**Andrew Weiss** · 10-15-2007, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by chip anderson

If they could read (something beside the Koran), they wouldn't be third world.

Chip, I have a lot of respect for your experience and much of what you say about things optical.

I have no respect for this.

Steve, other moderators: do we have a policy about racial/ethnic slurs like this?

Thanks.