Dr. Neil VanderHorst and his staff at 100 Mile Vision Care Centre are helping disadvantaged people throughout the world see their own world more clearly.
As an optometrist and a 100 Mile House Lions Club member, VanderHorst saw a way to streamline the process of recycling eyeglasses for people in developing countries.
During the past 18 months, the 100 Mile, 108 Mile, Hwy24/Interlakes and Forest Grove 94 Lions’ clubs collected approximately six boxes (more than 1,000) of used eyeglasses.
“Normally these eyeglasses are shipped to The Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre in Calgary, where they are neutralized and the prescription determined,” says VanderHorst.
“From there, they are shipped around the world. We cut out the middle man, did the work ourselves and optometry students working here have taken the glasses to Oregon’s Pacific University.”
Mahood Lake resident and optometry student Kyrstie McIntosh says the program is called Amigos.
"If you bring in glasses, it gives you points towards mission trips with Vosh International."
She adds Kate Dalrymple, a student from 100 Mile House, has gone on two trips to El Salvador, where she is currently distributing eyeglasses, including those collected by local Lions.
"You are selected to go on missions based on your involvement with the glasses, so when the opportunity came up to help recycle the eyeglasses, I jumped at the chance.”
McIntosh notes that while missions are frequently to South America, they also travel overseas to Thailand and Romania.
Field work involves performing eye exams on patients using instruments smaller than those used in clinics in 100 Mile House, to measure eye prescriptions and then match the best pair for the patient.
"For some people, it’s the first time in years they’ve seen properly."
McIntosh’s enthusiasm and dedication to her chosen profession clearly shine through.
After working as a summer student for the District of 100 Mile House from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., she volunteer from three to five at VanderHorst’s clinic.
At 100 Mile Vision Care Centre, she spent 36 hours preparing six banker boxes containing approximately 150 glasses per box for shipping to Pacific University.
McIntosh says she selected a career in optometry for a number of reasons.
“I always wanted to be in the public service and something medical. This lets me balance home and career and still have a sense of purpose.
"I love what I do. I didn’t think you could feel this way about work.”
If folks have eyeglasses they would like to donate, there are recycling boxes at 100 Mile Vision Care Centre, Dr. Specs and the 108 Mall.
To learn more about eyeglass recycling programs at Pacific University or with the Lions, visit www.amigoseyecare.com or www.clerc.ca.