How forgotten glasses in Murcia are giving the gift of sight to people in Senegal

Thanks to an ongoing solidarity campaign in Murcia, 227 pairs of prescription glasses and sunglasses collected from local residents are heading to Senegal this September to restore vision for individuals with limited access to eye care. Glasses that once were lying forgotten in a drawer of residents in Murcia will now grant clear vision to people in need in the African country.

Forgotten eyewear starting a second life abroad: Precision preparation before the journey to Senegal

This initiative forms part of the long-running El Milagro de Ver, or The Miracle of Seeing, project, spearheaded by the Murcian non-profit organisation Azul en Acción, in collaboration with Aguas de Murcia. The journey from a Spanish home to an African recipient involves careful preparation; before travelling, all collected glasses are sent to the Faculty of Optics and Optometry at the University of Murcia, where students and experts classify, measure, and catalogue each lens into a database. This meticulous work ensures that, when medical teams arrive in M’Bour, Senegal, each recipient is matched with the exact prescription they need.

Restoring independence and opening up new possibilities for Senegalese people

For many elderly residents and young children in these remote communities, putting on the correct pair of glasses brings an immediate and overwhelming transformation. People who previously relied solely on hearing their surroundings can suddenly see the faces of loved ones clearly, return to school, or even regain their independence. For many Senegalese people, the ability to see will open up a new world instantly.

The work of Azul en Acción and how local residents can support future expeditions

Since 2007, Azul en Acción has treated more than 48,000 patients and performed nearly 4,500 ophthalmic surgeries across more than 15 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Their work demonstrates how a simple, everyday donation can turn into an invaluable and powerful tool for social good.

The campaign remains permanently open for anyone wishing to contribute. Residents who have spare, undamaged prescription glasses or sunglasses can drop them off at the central offices of Aguas de Murcia to help support future humanitarian expeditions abroad. These offices are located in Murcia City, at Plaza Circular, 9, 30008. The office’s opening hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:00am to 1:30pm. Residents can also make an appointment through the organisation’s official website, emuasa.es.