YOUNGSTERS from primary schools in York are giving the gift of sight this Christmas to children in developing countries.

They are taking part in an appeal to collect old or unwanted glasses to help their peers across the globe after the schools and Viewpoint opticians in York have been bringing in any unwanted glasses for Vision Aid Overseas, an International charity which helps over 13 million children and adults who desperately need good eyesight in order to gain a valuable education, which in turn helps in the fight against poverty.

Children from, Lord Deramore’s, St Wilfrid’s R C, St Oswald’s CE and Scarcroft Primary Schools are taking part in the Gift of Sight appeal in partnership with Viewpoint opticians to collect as many glasses as possible over the next few months.

Trevor Rowley, who owns Viewpoint, is helping to raise awareness for the charity.

He said: “We all take for granted the ability to have regular eye examinations and first glass vision correction when needed. The truth is that this isn’t available to millions of people across the world and our partnership with Vision Aid Overseas allows us to help in a small way.”

Jane Conway, head teacher at St Wilfrid’s R C in Monkgate, York, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our children to be of service to others.”

If anyone would like to donate their old or unused glasses to the appeal they are being invited to drop them in at Viewpoint opticians, 9 Feasegate, York.

670 million people - ten per cent of the world's population - are disadvantaged by poor vision and a lack of glasses. Vision Aid Overseas is an international charity dedicated to transforming access to eye care services in developing countries.

Vision Aid Overseas was founded in 1985 and they have been helping some of the poorest people in the world gain better sight. Whether they are a teacher in Ghana, a seamstress in Zambia, or a school pupil in India, deteriorating sight can have a devastating impact on people's lives and livelihoods.