Members of the Farmville Lions Club will accept used eyeglasses and hearing aids along with monetary donations during the annual White Cane Days on Friday and Saturday at various locations across Farmville.

According to a press release, the Lions organization is recognized for its active service to the blind, the visually impaired and hearing impaired by supplying glasses and hearing aids to those in need in Farmville, Prince Edward and Cumberland.

“Locally, the Lions have purchased a hand-held Pedia Vision instrument that has been used in area school systems and with other groups to screen children entering school for possible vision disorders,” club officials said in the release. “Some of the Lions have been trained to administer the testing which is free, takes only a few minutes and provides printed information that can be taken to an eye care specialist for follow up if a visual problem is detected. The testing done so far has shown that about 10 percent of the students have visual difficulties that need to be addressed. Visual issues that are detected include near or far-sightedness, structural problems, blurred vision and even Amblyopia, known as ‘lazy eye.’ It is critical that young people get the correction or treatment that may be needed so that they will have the ability to function better academically as well as socially.”

Each year, used eyeglasses are collected locally “and in this district where they are cleaned and evaluated for recycling and distribution in Appalachia or third-world countries,” officials said. “This is done in the Farmville Methodist Church by members of the local Lions Club. At the free medical clinics held in southwestern Virginia last year, over 1,100 patients benefited by receiving free glasses provided by state Lions.”

Programs and eligibility requirements vary according to need, stated event organizers. “The best way to learn about free or discounted eye care or eyeglass services is to contact a member of the Farmville Lions Club or visit the website at www.farmvillelionsclub.com. Donations during White Cane Days or those mailed to Farmville Lions, P.O. Box 128, Farmville, 23901 will help us better serve the community.”