Ships :: What do eye tests look like on Logos Hope and where did they start?
“You could see the smiles and the joy as soon as they put the glasses on,” Kyra (Germany) said, after her community Connect Day.
Eyesight testing is an activity Logos Hope crewmembers have been a part of for 15 years. In almost every port, teams are sent out to first perform eye tests and then distribute glasses to those who are not able to buy glasses or get their eyes tested.
Where it all began
In 2010, an idea came to life when Joseph Parker (USA) noticed that many people needed glasses. Joe’s role was launching and organising the community teams as part of his work in the department overseeing community engagement. He would actively look for ways that the crew could help in the different ports and countries they were visiting.
He contemplated the idea of buying glasses and donating them.
“I saw that eyeglasses were a big need in many countries,” Joe explains.
The system
Unfortunately having a doctor to test everyone’s eyes was not possible, so after reaching out to an optician, an easy-to-use eye test pack was made. The testing system took four years to develop.
The process starts with a simple test of near and farsightedness. Then the test determines if prescription glasses are needed. Specifically, for those who are not medical professionals, the system is very easy to use.
Sharing the gift of sight
Over the years, resources and supplies have been bought to continue in this way of helping communities. Many crewmembers have been able to go on these teams, and often it’s not just the community that is uplifted by their work, but the crew themselves.
"I've been the team leader of over nine eyeglass donations and after each one people were coming and thanking us and some of them even crying," Marius (Moldova) shares.
There are many who have been encouraged by this simple act of help. This year alone over 1,000 different eyeglasses have been donated.
Since 2010, the ships have donated 41,952 pairs of reading glasses. Distance glasses were then later attained in 2019 and over 4,000 pairs have been donated to date.
In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a man expressed his gratitude after receiving glasses. “Now I can see people clearly again,” he told one of the crewmembers.
How you can help us?
In many ports our ships seek to send out teams to perform eye tests and support local communities on shore with new glasses. And you too can help improve people’s sight by supporting GBA Ships today! Learn more here.