Small Business Starts New Project to 'Stir the Community'

EyeStyles Optical and Boutique's latest project is worth taking a look at. At least, Nikki Griffin hopes so. 

Griffin recently launched a new endeavor at her optical and boutique — and it's already seeing a positive response. 

EyeStyles is partnering with VOSH International Optometrist volunteers, Digital Eye Lab and Payitforward.org to make custom eyewear for future missions trips to Uganda, Paraguay and other countries.

"I had this idea and went to them (VOSH International) and said, 'Hey, what do you think of this hairbrained idea?' and they said it's not half bad," Griffin said. 

Through June 1, each time someone purchases a pair of glasses from EyeStyles Optical and Boutique, they will then donate a pair of glasses on that person's behalf. When people pick up their new glasses, EyeStyles will also hand out a bracelet that encourages them to "pay it forward." 

EyeStyles will be donating frames and lenses while Digital Eye Lab will do the edging that puts the frames and lenses together. VOSH International will be providing the needed prescriptions to Griffin and then will distribute the eyewear to third-world countries.

Griffin said that though people donate eyewear to third-world countries, there aren't enough strong prescriptions.

"It's a very targeted list with the right prescriptions," Griffin said. "Since not enough of these strong prescriptions are donated, this will fill the gap."

EyeStyles will also be accepting donated eyewear to distribute through VOSH International. 

"Hopefully this will stir something in the community," Griffin said.

Depending on the response, Griffin said they might make it a permanent program. Since she launched the new program a couple of weeks ago she has already been able to donate more than 15 pairs of glasses with the strong prescriptions. 

"We are going to have a lot of fun with this and hopefully make it a permanent program," Griffin said. 

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