This is Christmas, and Eyes R’ Us, in partnership with Ignite! are embarking on a campaign to give back.{{more}}

“We do promotions all the time, but for Christmas we have some specials,” Barbara Soso, Business Development officer at Eyes R Us said.

According to Soso, the deals include a 25 per cent discount special, two for one deals, and there is also a deal where if you purchase a pair of glasses from the Christmas collection, then the customer will be eligible to receive either a free pair of designer prescription sunglasses or another pair free.

There are also specials on contact lenses — when a customer signs up for a year of contact lenses, they qualify to receive three months of contact lenses free, or a free pair of glasses.

“So, we have specials for the Christmas season,” Soso said.

Paying for high quality eyewear is no problem either; according to Soso, Eyes R Us have formed alliances with some of the nation’s financial institutions, including the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG), Scotia Bank and their newest partner, Quik Cash.

Those who may not be able to purchase a pair of glasses or pay for a particular procedure will be able to seek financial assistance from any of these financial institutions.

But Christmas is also a time to remember the needy, and Eyes R Us will be giving back to some of this country’s charitable organizations.

Funds from this promotion will go to these organizations, including the Salvation Army, Special Olympics SVG, the House of Hope and the Society for the Blind.

For every purchase made during the promotion, $5 will go towards the Society for the Blind.

Fifteen persons from each of the three other charitable organizations will be tested free of charge, and if necessary, they will receive a free pair of glasses.

Major Pierre Antoine said that he believes that the promotion would have a tremendous impact on those who will be the direct beneficiaries.

Ten children and five adults affiliated with the Salvation Army will receive free eye care.

“Our needs are great — we need the glasses and we need the food,” Major Antoine said.

“The glasses are important; sight is important – we are happy for that,” he continued.

Janice McMaster, national director of Special Olympics SVG said that the promotion complements their own “Healthy Athletes” programme, which is expected to be launched some time next year.

“This initiative will benefit us greatly, because it will jump start our healthy athletes programme,” McMaster said.

She explained that the healthy athletes programme provides screening and testing for special athletes.

“So, it would be a jump start to our healthy athletes programme. We really thank Eyes R Us, that will help to benefit us greatly because the athletes are involved in sport and their health should be at its maximum and as we know, our special athletes do not always benefit from proper health care,” she said.

The promotion will run up to December 27. (DD)