MORE than 9,200 pairs of prescription glasses have been donated by the Rosewood and Ipswich community to the Lions Recycle for Sight project in the last 12 months.

Last week, Rosewood Lions, Mike Golgerth visited the Rosewood shops where eyeglass containers are on display ready for donations.

"All the outlets which have volunteered to be a collection point for these eyeglasses are regularly visited by Mike," said fellow Lion Tanya Johnson.

"It's incredible to think he has collected 9,200 pairs of glasses in the last year."

What is remarkable, says Mike, is that nearly all of the discarded spectacles in cities or towns in Australia can be collected to become the gift of sight to a child or parent in the third world countries.

Lions Eye Glass collection boxes can be found around Rosewood at the Rosewood Vet, Pharmacy, Post Office, Community Centre, the Rosewood Lions Op Shop and the Walloon Pharmacy.

Asked the question about what type of eyeglasses can be repurposed, she said that even used and even broken prescription glasses or sunglasses.

"Children’s, men’s and women’s prescription glasses are welcome.

"Prescription glasses can also be handed in to optometrists, optical stores and pharmacies all throughout the city of Ipswich."

Every month, Lion Mike spends a day driving around to visit 19 optical stores, pharmacies and businesses, to collect donated glasses.

He and his wife Glenda, then spend another day, boxing them up, before sending the collected glasses to the Clontarf Lions Recycle for Sight Centre, free of charge by Australia Post.

"I think Lion Mike is simply awe inspiring. He is a quiet achiever that does our Club proud," Tanya said.

At the Clontarf Recycle for Sight Centre, the prescription glasses and sunglasses are inspected, cleaned and graded before being sent to developing countries or humanitarian aid groups in areas in need.

Tanya added: "Don’t throw away your unneeded glasses … hand them in to a Lions Eyeglass Collection Box … and give someone the gift of sight."