Councillor Rags Sandhu has been appointed Vision Officer for Lions Clubs International District 105SE, taking on responsibility for leading the Recycle for Sight programme -- a global Lions initiative that collects unwanted spectacles, recycles them, and redistributes them to individuals around the world who lack access to eyewear.
What Is Lions Recycle for Sight?
Lions Recycle for Sight is one of the most impactful humanitarian projects run by Lions Clubs International. The programme collects used spectacles from donation points across the UK, ships them to dedicated recycling centres, and distributes them to communities in developing nations where access to eye care is limited or non-existent.
Globally, an estimated 1.1 billion people live with untreated vision impairment, and for many of them, a simple pair of prescription glasses would be life-changing. Lions Clubs across the UK and European countries collect hundreds of thousands of pairs each year -- District 105SE alone processes tens of thousands of pairs annually through collection points in opticians, libraries, and community centres.
What Does the Vision Officer Role Involve?
As Vision Officer for District 105SE, my responsibilities include:
- Coordinating collection efforts across Lions Clubs in the south-east of England
- Building partnerships with opticians, schools, and community organisations to increase donation points
- Raising awareness of the programme among residents and local businesses
- Liaising with Lions headquarters to ensure collected spectacles reach those who need them most
- Promoting vision screening initiatives including the schools-based eye screening programme for children aged 5 to 7
The role builds on my existing work with the Dartford Lions Club and complements my responsibilities as a councillor for Bexleyheath Ward in the London Borough of Bexley. You can read more about my background and values on the about page.
Why Does Vision Care Matter So Closely to Bexleyheath?
Vision problems do not discriminate by geography. Within the London Borough of Bexley, there are residents -- particularly elderly residents and children from lower-income families -- who struggle to access timely eye care. The World Health Organisation estimates that 80% of all vision impairment globally is preventable or treatable, yet many people delay seeking help.
Through the Recycle for Sight programme and our schools vision screening initiative, we are working to close that gap locally and internationally. Every pair of donated glasses undergoes professional cleaning, grading, and prescription matching before being sent to communities in need.
How Can Residents in Bexleyheath Help?
Getting involved is simple. Residents can donate unwanted spectacles -- including reading glasses, sunglasses with prescription lenses, and children's glasses -- at collection points across the borough. Even glasses that seem old or outdated can be matched to someone who needs them.
If you are an optician, school, or community group interested in hosting a collection point, I would be delighted to help set that up. The more collection points we establish, the more lives we can change.
You can also support the wider community initiatives I am involved with, from food bank donations to charity fundraising events.
What Has the Impact Been So Far?
Since Lions Clubs International launched its vision programmes, the organisation has provided eyewear and eye care to over 200 million people worldwide. In District 105SE, our clubs have contributed significantly to that total, with participation from Lions Clubs not only across the UK but also from partner clubs in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The impact is measurable and deeply personal. For a child who can suddenly see the blackboard clearly, or an elderly person who can read again, a pair of recycled glasses is not just an object -- it is independence, education, and dignity.
Get in Touch
If you have unwanted spectacles to donate, would like to volunteer with the Recycle for Sight programme, or want to bring the vision screening service to a school near you, please contact me. Together, we can ensure that no pair of usable glasses goes to waste.
Cllr Rags Sandhu Bexleyheath Ward, London Borough of Bexley