By Kris Leonhardt

MARSHFIELD – Suhaas Bhat is a Life Scout in local Troop 392. In order to gain the rank of Eagle Scout he must plan, develop, and provide leadership to a service project. Suhaas is using this opportunity to create a city-wide drive to collect eyeglasses for developing countries that may not have access to prescription eyewear.

Suhaas says that while sight is a matter near to his heart, it is the need in other countries that is the imputes behind the project.

“This issue is important to me. I have worn glasses since I was in first grade. Without glasses, I would be functionally blind, and I would be unable to perform even the most basic of tasks,” he said. “However, life out of focus is a reality for many people in developing countries – eyeglasses can be prohibitively expensive. Prescriptions change, and most people who wear glasses have old pairs that they no longer use. I know I do. By staging a drive for the collection of these glasses, we can centralize collection efforts, and make a positive impact in the lives of the lesser privileged.”

Suhaas is working with the Lions Club to get the glasses into the hands of those who will benefit.

“They will take the collected glasses to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation Eyeglass Recycling Center in Rosholt, WI,” he explained. “From there, the Lions Club distributes these glasses to people in need, generally in developing countries.”

Suhaas and his team will kick off the drive July 28-29 at the Farmers Market at Festival Foods, and at the following week’s market on August 4-5. For future updates and upcoming drop off points, follow www.facebook.com/troop392glasses.