Ronald McDonald House Charities Awards $30,000 to New Eyes for the Needy for Children's Glasses

April 25, 2011 - PRLog -- New Eyes for the Needy is pleased to announce that it received a grant of $30,000 from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) to purchase new prescription eyeglasses for children in need across the United States.

“Ronald McDonald House Charities’ generous grant will answer the need for glasses for more than 600 disadvantaged children in our country. Clear sight empowers children with self confidence and the ability to engage in learning with their teachers and peers in the classroom. We are grateful to have this opportunity to work with RMHC to improve the lives and well-being of children in need by giving them the gift of sight,” explained Susan M. Dyckman, executive director, New Eyes.

“RMHC is excited about providing grant funding to New Eyes for the Needy so they can provide hundreds of eyeglasses to children in need. Improved vision will help children succeed in school.  Working with New Eyes enables RMHC to extend its reach and impact in vulnerable communities and ensures that more children have the opportunity to access much-needed medical and vision care,” stated Marty Coyne, President and CEO Ronald McDonald House Charities.  

New Eyes purchases glasses through a voucher system that partners New Eyes with 3,800 eyeglass providers across the country. Applicants may apply for assistance through a social service agency or school nurse. Applicants generally have incomes at or below the federal poverty level and are uninsured or have insurance plans that do not pay for eyeglasses. Once an applicant is approved for assistance, he receives a voucher that can be redeemed by any eyeglass provider that is willing to accept New Eyes’ reimbursement rates. New Eyes reimburses the provider directly once the glasses are made.

For more information about New Eyes for the Needy’s program to provide prescription eyeglasses to impoverished residents of the U.S., visit www.neweyesfortheneedy.org or call 973-376-4903.

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Founded in 1932, New Eyes for the Needy purchases new prescription eyeglasses through a voucher program for children and adults in the United States who cannot afford glasses on their own. New Eyes accepts, recycles and distributes donated glasses for poor people overseas.