Throughout Appalachia there are tens of thousands of children who have just returned to school who can’t see the blackboard clearly because of a lack of eyeglasses.

There are also millions of aging adults whose eyesight is gradually worsening affecting their ability to drive and even their livelihoods.

These boys and girls and men and women aren’t suffering from some serious eye condition more so than simple nearsightedness or farsightedness – either of which could be easily corrected with pair of prescription glasses.

What they are suffering from is poverty, and the lack of $65.

While government assistance such as Medicare or Medicaid will cover the cost of an eye exam, what it won’t pay for is the pair of glasses themselves.

This fall, Americans Helping Americans® will be assisting 155 needy children and working poor to obtain those all-important pair of glasses.

While $65 may not sound like much to most middle-class Americans, for those struggling to keep food on the table, pay their rent, keep the utilities on and keep current on their medications, a pair of glasses is way down on the list.

But a pair of glasses could make all the difference for an adult who could lose their job if they lose their driver’s license.

And as for the children, who may not even be aware of their own diminished vision, a pair of prescription glasses will open up a whole new world for them.