Celebrity specs auction!
Pop star George Micheal was one of 24 celebrities to donate their glasses to Sightsavers’ Specs Appeal, to highlight the fact that 153 million people worldwide are in need of glasses.
Hollywood heart-throb Ewan McGregor, Michael Caine, Stephen Fry and Jimmy Savile were among other famous names to relinquish their specs for a good cause. All glasses were listed on EBay.
What would you miss?
The campaign also encouraged the participating celebrities to think about what they would miss most without their specs.
Ewan McGregor commented: “Without my specs I couldn't get around so safely and I couldn't see the beautiful colours of the world.” BBC news reader Kate Silverton was more pragmatic: “Without my specs I would have difficulty doing my job reading the news”. Writer Alan Bennett said: “I can see perfectly well but my face looks rather odd.”
The impact in the developing world
In developing countries it can be a challenge for people to get their eyes tested and buy a pair of glasses. This is often because there are too few ophthalmologists, not enough equipment and also people simply can’t afford prescription lenses. Not having glasses effectively renders people blind or visually impaired usually with disastrous consequences for their livelihoods, families, schooling and quality of life.
Last year Sightsavers screened more than two million people across three continents to see if they need glasses, and we hope to reach even more this year. We can provide new glasses for as little as £1.50 per pair.
What do you think?