Imagine seeing the world clearly for the first time, thanks to a donated pair of eyeglasses. That’s what the Lions Club Recycle for Sight program provides for thousands of people each year by collecting and distributing donated prescription eyeglasses around the world. Staff and residents at Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility in Tutwiler, Mississippi, are proud to support the Batesville Lions Club in these volunteer efforts by refurbishing eyeglasses to be used and donated by the program.

Tallahatchie began this program in 2024 after the facility's warden, Luis Rosa, connected with the Batesville Lions Club about working together to support Recycle for Sight’s efforts. Rosa has been involved with Recycle for Sight at various locations for more than 15 years.

Since the program began at Tallahatchie, more than 13,000 eyeglasses have been restored by residents for distribution to those in need.

“It’s been a pleasure being part of a program that helps others to see. I am looking forward to what 2025 has in store for our eyeglass repair program," said Jakendra Jones, program facilitator at CoreCivic's Tallahatchie facility.

Residents at Tallahatchie receive donated prescription glasses from the Lions Club in Batesville, Mississippi. Next, they clean, sanitize and repair the glasses, and use donated lens readers to determine the prescription for each pair. Once the glasses have been prepared, the residents package them for delivery to Lions Clubs. At that point, the recycled glasses are taken on optical missions around the world where optometrists provide vision exams and match the glasses with people in need. Most of the time, this will be the first pair of eyeglasses the recipient has ever owned.

The donated eyeglasses are helping more than just the recipients gain a new view of life. Monte, a resident who volunteers in the Recycle for Sight program, shared his inspiration.

“This [program] gives me a chance to help others and that means a lot. It’s uplifting and makes me feel good, knowing that I am able to help others and that these glasses are going to the underprivileged.”