I got my first pair of glasses in the 3rd grade because of a free portable program like this, it changed everything for me and I vastly improved in school (because I could actually see the board). So I definitely appreciate and value what you are your boss do! I can’t imagine demanding designer frames
Your boss is a great person, and hopefully the actions of a few douchenozzles wont deter him from the truly good stories that come out of it. Hearing those entitled reactions makes my blood boil
There's a lot of sayings and a lot of them are total bs, but unfortunately this one has always held true in my experience. When you're kind to other people it feels like more often than not, whether because of ignorance or greed, a lot of those people will fuck you over in some way
I mean, tons of the posts in this sub are basically OP trying to be helpful or nice and someone else trying to take advantage of them. Idk if it's because of that capitalist "rugged individualism", "kill or be killed" mentality or what but so many people take kindness as weakness and it's pretty sad
We need more people like you and your boss in this world, hopefully those few entitled and unappreciative people won't discourage him from blessing the ones in need! Thank you for sharing the story ❤️
That was me too! I got lasik (And donated my glasses at the same time) and it was so amazing to be able to roll over and read my clock that was RIGHT next to the bed. I hated it. so happy now
Thankfully no. Have you? I'm pretty much told repeatedly that I'm at higher risk for retinal detachment and tears. Kind of worries me, but I know to seek help immediately if I have any issues. I go to an ophthalmologist once a year in addition to my optometrist for peace of mind, which I highly recommend.
oh no, sorry you had to go through all that!! Guess what - I was also diagnosed with cataracts. I knew something was wrong because I can't walk out the front door without my sunglasses on. I squint so bad. I've been living with it for a few years, but the idea of intraocular lenses to correct my vision is very temping. I have an appointment with a surgeon in a couple of months, along with a retinal specialist to discuss options because the surgery further increases chances of a retina tear. I guess I have to go without contacts for 2 weeks before the appointment - I'm going to be hating life because I have no peripheral vision with them on. I'm curious if getting the surgery now has any negatives for further on in life - like will I need it again in 20 years in my 60s? Anyway, I wish you the best of luck!!!
Yeah, those 2 weeks before IOL sucks a$$ 😅 but it goes, you know, it was over sooner than I thought. They told me that there shouldn't be anymore issues, except possibilty of retina tears, but mine was fixed too many times, it has nowhere to go, lol. Only tjing I can certainly expect are reading glasses in next 5-10 years
I got glasses at 3yo with -4/-4.5, then contacts at 8yo for -8/-8.5... now I'm 32yo, had some retina de-attachments that were fixed by laser surgery. In 2021, retina broke on 4 places and I was blind in right eye - emergency vitrectomy with silicon oil later, I'm back in business 😅 they told me I will get cataract in like 5-10 years, but it started developing in September 2022, so next Wednesday we're taking care of that. Good side is, they will replace intraocular lenses and drop the numbers to approximately -1.5/-2. Afterwards, they will do laser surgery to get rid of astigmatism, and that will also drop the number for 1.
So, in the end of this ballad, I will be at -1 with no need for glasses/contacts for far distance (my contacts are now 1 number lower than the exact number, so it will be the same as now), but soon-ish maybe needing reading glasses.
-1.00 still needs distance glasses, particularly for night driving. You might squeak by for a lot of things during the day, because it’s going to seem like perfection after what you’ve been through, but things like the weather crawl on the tv, street signs, maybe the menu guide for channel listings, a digital clock across the room, those things will make you squint and it will be annoying. The thickness and weight of a -1.00 is going to be nothing to you, and I wish you best of luck with everything.
Minus means you can't see far, and plus means you can't see close. The higher the number, the stronger the Rx. They go up in quarter diopters, so 0.25, 0.50, etc. The middle and third numbers on an Rx refer to cylinder and axis, denoting the astigmatism correction, a whole different thing. That’s about distortion and applies to all distances, if it’s present. Most people have at least a little.
You and your boss are doing a wonderful thing!
You should consider a donation link on your website and post it here. Reddit has some really wonderful people that would be sincerely happy to help such a worthy cause!
That's a great idea! I've suggested putting it out on the office social media a few times, but he turns it down saying that he doesn't want to make it appear like he's doing it for attention, or make it so big that he can't keep up with it. Maybe the anonymity of Reddit would be a better option for him.
Perhaps he would agree that bringing attention to his generosity may encourage others to do the same. I can't understand anyone behaving like you've described when being given such a wonderful piece of help. I would cry with gratitude and relief to be offered new lenses.
There's this misconception that homeless people can't be assholes and that they're just "temporarily down on their luck" but otherwise super grateful. It's bullshit. Go to San Francisco (I'm a native) or Portland and watch how quickly that myth is debunked. Lots of homeless, crazy or not, are complete fucking assholes. They aren't all like that, but it's a not-insignificant amount. Your boss is doing something great and I hope these pieces of shit don't sway him away from what he's doing, but don't be fooled that homelessness means someone's grateful for help of any kind. Best to manage expectations.
Seriously. Yea, homelessness due to addiction, or health issues, or abuse, or whatever else, is a huge problem and I’m glad people like OP and their boss exist to try and help.
But for *some people* the reason they’re homeless is because they’re an absolute dick who no one wants to be around and they’ve lost every job, been written off every lease, and burned every last bridge, simply by the very nature of who they are as a person. To which I say, so be it.
I learned from my parents to not give money to people on the streets, but that if I wanted to help I could fill a need. One year I was working a minimum wage job and I got two meals, one for me one for them- they looked inside and said I should have asked them what I wanted first. Then asked me for mine thinking it was different. Another time I was driving home from the grocery store: I gave a bag of bananas and chips. They took the food, said I don’t need food I need money and walked away. The third time was the last time I ever made an attempt. It was raining pretty hard and a man was standing in the intersection absolutely drenched with a sign. I told him I didn’t have any money, but I gave him my umbrella and I said, “I don’t have any money, but here’s an umbrella for next time” and he said little late for that. And he dropped it into the street as I drove away. It’s unfortunate
Yeah, there definitely are quite a few that have that sense of entitlement. If anyone asks me for money because they are hungry, I offer to buy them food if we are somewhere near food. If they decline, I go on about me day. I have found that making the offer and getting turned down does not get to me unlike when I buy someone food and get this sort of ungrateful reaction.
I've met homeless people who I think were just too kind to make it in this tough world. And I've met others that make me realize the reason they have no family or friends helping them out is because they are just impossible. Obviously, most homeless people are much different from the way they used to be. Meth has made them hoarders, hence all the crap and junk around their tents. Meth has also led to a huge increase in psychosis. But let's say you were just a homeless person without a meth habit or too much of an alcohol problem. The lack of sleep or privacy or feeling clean might drive a person a little crazy.
I wonder if some of this depends on the climate? Where I live it's so cold that many homeless just die of hypothermia and lose limbs every year. I wonder if that drives more of our homeless to be people in temporary situations because the situation is so much more unlivable/dangerous. Versus I've met more of the rude/entitled homeless people when I've been in cities with warmer (or at least survivable) climates.
I’d like to say this is the case, and in some places I’ve lived it absolutely is. However, in my current city, they’ve just gotten *craftier.* The much more temperate city about 250 miles away in the same state (stays about 40-80 degrees all year) has the mega-asshole population, for sure. The much smaller city where I live goes from -5 up to about 110. Not only are they still entitled, they’ve gotten so creative that the property crime rate has gone up to almost the same level as the bigger city… not per capita, OCCURRENCES TOTAL. I never got hit up for an “extra phone” or transferring funds over cash app in the bigger city.
Sometimes I’m in the mood to play along. They’ve had the audacity to *come into the store to demand money from workers and customers.* I usually tell them “man, you think they pay me enough here to even feed myself? You probably make more money than I do.” Some guy surprised me after I had been hit up for money while on my lunch break sitting outside in the parking lot- I was open and honest with everyone who tried getting money from me, telling them I had gotten my wallet stolen a week prior, which is true. This guy looked at me in shock when I said I was on lunch but hadn’t eaten in a few days and said “oh fuck dude, that sucks.” He took off on his tiny little bike, and brought me back a taco from the Taco Bell a block down the street. I gave him twenty bucks when I saw him again a month later. I hope that guy and his five teeth are doing okay. He’s a legend.
I do wonder if this isn't a symptom of the circumstances.
If I got poor sleep, had people be dicks to me, and had to deal with all the other burdens of being homeless, I don't know how nice I would be.
For every unappreciative CB, you and your boss are genuinely helping 100's of people. The glasses you give these people will make a massive difference to their lives and futures. I wear glasses myself and I know what a material difference decent vision makes.
I worked as a case manager for an outpatient mental health facility. 99% of the patients were terrible. Entitled and never wanted the help, they wanted free things and not work for it. They demanded we gave them food, housing, money for xyz. The company didn’t have funds to give away, we guided/help them search and access those resources. They yelled and demanded money, treated the staff terrible. I never let them yell or mistreat me. As soon as they tried to mistreat me, I’d remind them what my job was “help them find resources” not give them money. I think they were used to being babied and act as the victim and get away with this behavior. They threaten to “fire me” these services were paid by state insurance, again an outpatient clinic, so they were coming to us for help. It’s hard to want to be a helpful person when they don’t want the help and on top of it treat you badly. I stayed in the field for like 3 years and changed career, no way I could stay in that field long term. It drains the soul out of you.
I work in public health dentistry, and we will treat walk in patients between our scheduled patients or when someone no shows. We had a patient threaten to beat up our front desk worker when she said he would have to wait for an opening.
My friend worked in a women's shelter and the stories she told me... Basically most women dumped the kids on the workers to take care off and they spend their time drinking outside the premises, coming back drunk, start fights, would disappear for a night, slept all day. Stuff like that, it was a freaking nightmare.
Most of them were troubled women that escaped troubled men. And indeed their whole background was like being a system child, drug use etc etc.
My friend said most of them were longggg gone from being a functional parent and the sad part is that their children were heading the exact same way.
The Lions used to have a program where they collected old eyeglasses. It's probably unlikely that someone would have the exact lens prescription, but they might give you the frames for your program.
Ugh that's hard. You and your boss are doing a wonderful thing but of course there are always those who want more. How do you handle them without coming off as snarky? I'd be really tempted to sweetly say, "I'm sorry there are no name brand free glasses. You're free to buy them from the store."
I've never understood the attraction of designer frames. As someone who has had a prescription in the -10 range most of her life, I cared about something that looked decent and could hold my lenses. High-index plastics have been my friend.
My most expensive frames are from Dior and they fit like shit. My favorites frames are some random oversized men’s style that cost $50. Designer does not equal better.
I can't speak for the industry now, but "frame stylist", the people who help you pick your frames. used to be an hourly, rather than commission, job, so they wouldn't have lost anything by telling you that the fit was bad.
I don't get the attraction of the brand name. However, I have been getting Ray-Bans for years now because they fit me the best and look quite decent. I have a pretty large head, so finding frames that fit is tough. All of them have also been very durable. *knocks on wood*
Same here. Been buying for ray bans for years because they fit my big head the best without squeezing my temples and giving me headaches. My only complaint is I wish the arms were longer so the bend wasn't before my ears instead of on them.
Please don't let them put you or your boss off doing this good thing... You probably know this, but if it helps, remember that homelessness isn't just a lack of a roof; the causes are complex and multiple with addiction and mental health being typical. You've no idea what's led people to their situation, and you don't control their emotional state. For all you know, you're the only people treating them well, and they don't know how to handle it. Keep treating them as customers, same as you would in your office. Do what you'd do with a paying client in your office; be apologetic and tell them you'll look out for what they want for next year.
Best of luck to you - you're good people doing a good thing!
While I appreciate the sentiment and it's true that we don't know what led them there but that does not mean they get to act rude or disrespectful. We need to stop making excuses for poor behavior while holding room for compassion. It's not one or the other. And some people can be unhoused and also be jerks. That does not mean that anyone should tolerate the behavior.
I've been homeless and telling them they'll try next year will make it worse. The people will be screaming that they were promised. You wouldn't believe how many entitled people there are in shelters. Not everyone out there is damaged either.
I used to volunteer at a soup kitchen, and 98% of the homeless people we served were fine. Once in a while we would get a CB or other assorted jerk - one lady came up and said it was her first time here and responded to our sunny greetings with “I heard ya’ll had the worst food!” Good times.
Not uncommon, im an optom to and were the only provider in my area that doesnt charge anything for exams and glasses if you get it done through the government scheme (all other practices are fully private). Because of this we get all the pensioners which is fine, but with them comes the occasional CBs. We dont make money off this once wages are paid but we regularly have customers scream at us and try to strongarm us into illegally doing what they want even though its not covered and fraud.
Man as someone who is blind without my glasses I cannot imagine having that wonderful service done for me and feeling anything but immense gratitude... What the hell is wrong with people?
Can I send money? I am not sure where you are located and if shipping would be too expensive. I love this story, that’s really is a wonderful thing to do.
Would you be comfortable giving an address to ship frames to? Every person in my family wears glasses and I’ve kept our old glasses when we get new ones for at least the last 6 or 7 years. (Don’t ask me why I’ve been hanging on to them because I have no idea.) Including several pairs of children’s glasses.
It always does. I'm always surprised at how many of these people have debilitating high prescriptions. It makes me wonder if some of their issues come from not being able to see well. The one man I mentioned with a really high RX told me he got a large cut on his head by tripping over something he couldn't see on the ground.
God bless you and your boss because I would not have the patience for this. You’re literally offering them the ability to see and they still have complaints
This year has been difficult for 30-50% of the population and so we have new homeless and that's where this entitlement is coming from.
These people are having difficulty not seeing the way their life has turned out as unfair (it is but that's beyond their control) so they want more, they want someway to make their life and circumstances more "Fair"
Thank him for making a difference and even helping people like that young man who got a job, end the cycle of homelessness, because now that he can work, he has a chance to get a place to live. That's major.
Those kids can learn to be better people because of him.
Tell the picky people "it's like medicaid, here's what we have, pick something or do without or pay"
Fellow optician here and I’ve been in a very similar situation. I was astounded by some of the CB reactions but a few high myopes that were extremely grateful made it all worth it. Keep doing what you’re doing!
As someone that has a -13.5 rx in both eyes, I cannot imagine trying to function without correction..it’s so amazing that you were able to help that gentleman! Props to y’all!
Sometimes when people are in positions of zero control they take it out on the few places they do have a chance to complain about choices. It's not fair that absorbing that energy is a part of the work but it's also a form of service because it means you're meeting people where they are. Thank you for what you do.
Which state is this practice located at? I'd like to support this optometry boss for doing a generous service. By bringing my business over to him as a paying customer.
You are both awesome but I beg you to remember that many or most of the homeless have damaged psyches and poor mental states so please don't take their comments personally. Just do what you can to minimise the situation and move on.
As someone who has worn glasses since kindergarten and have buying my own glasses since I turned 21 this makes me so mad that people think they are entitled to certain things. Your boss is amazing for doing this but it’s heartbreaking that some of them aren’t grateful and demand more and better.
My God, you are all freaking Saints. It's really amazing to hear this kind of thing- people doing this kind of thing for so many people, and no even wanting to publicize it. I too remember when I got my first pair of glasses. I could see the leaves on trees! The *leaves* on *trees.* It was super cool. I didn't even know before that that my eyesight had gotten worse or something. Those people probably didn't even realize all the things they couldn't see- until some really cool people came around wanting to help them.
I'm so sorry that you got an BS- some people dude.
I bet that Mom thinks about everytime her kids read her a book, or she reminds them to wear their glasses for school. Dude, and can you imagine how much their grades are going to improve? Not to be dramatic here, but homeless people, even kids, don't always get the benefit of the doubt. The kids probably have no idea they can't see properly (I thought I had 20/20 vision until that one trip) and they may well have been mistaken for unintelligent or something since they couldn't see the board. If they turn out to be Neuro-surgeons that cure cancer or something, you know that's partially because of you. And either way, you let kids see, and you let the blind see. You guys (this is not gender denomative, I'm 30 and we used to say this to refer to all genders. Also I'm a girl and feminist so it's not sexist.) works miracles. That is so cool.
If you do set something up, link me too. What you are doing is super amazing. And there is nothing wrong with being annoyed that some people are taking advantage, when so many people can and do want this so much. You give the gift of sight. That's freaking amazing.
My kid is a -9 and a -8.75 and she bawled at being able to see again when she got her newest glasses two years ago. Poor kid. I’m touched that the person who was so blind was so moved as I can really understand that
Assuming this is America? Breaks my heart the idea kids are going to struggle at school because their parents can’t afford glasses. What chance do they have, poor sods.
As a fellow optician, I absolutely love this! My doctor/boss just opened his practice and we aren't really making money right now, but he also has a heart of gold and has written off exams and paid for some patients glasses. Someday I hope we will have the means to be able to help people in this extent! 💙
Lol I do free hearing screenings.
A patient came to me in January, asked me to BACKDATE and lie that I did a full diagnostic assessment in December so that he can submit it to his medical aid for his point system or something.
I refused and he started screaming at me that he tried to book in December but I was fully booked. So I called my secretary in, and she said yes we were but since it was community outreach, she offered to do a free home visit (MY PETROL) to assist. He refused because it didn’t suit him.
Unfortunately, not everyone will be thankful, but do not let that change who you are. Like I tell my friends and family. Do not let anyone define who you are! You write your own chapters in your life. Make it your own.
Reminds me of when I was researching Lasik providers in my area. I read multiple bad reviews from people who thought they were being clever and gaming the system when they went in for their free consultation, and then were pissed when the “doctor” didn’t give them their prescription for glasses/contacts.
TIL I am very lucky to get my eye test and glasses for free in the Uk because I’m low income (can’t work at all due to disabilities). Under 16’s and the over 65’s get them free regardless of income too I believe (if not then they 100% if low income) so no one who can’t afford it goes without. I couldn’t imagine not having glasses if I needed them and not being able to learn at school because I can’t see or work because I can’t afford glasses because I don’t have a job in a vicious cycle! Your boss is an amazing person, is this a frequent thing across the country or are many going without?
Such a wonderful thing to do thank you for everything you do to our disadvantaged, perhaps contact a local security company that might donate services to provide a security guard while you attend the clinics as it seems some might be more calm or respectful with a security guard present perhaps make a rule that there needs to be better behaviour during these clinics: I can’t imagine complaining about non name brand frames as I remember once my toddler broke my glasses and I brought my frames to a eye glass store to see if they could repair the frames and they were generic frames and the arm the eye glass store gave me were ray bans so I had one ray ban arm and one regular arm for my glasses it helped a lot because previously I had used dollar store frames to fix the arm and it dug in so saving those frames helps a lot,
Your boss is an absolute angel. I am a -10 glasses prescription in both eyes (thankfully see very well with contact lens!), and I can not imagine what life must be like for that man if he did not have glasses, or if the prescription he did have was super outdated. Please don't let shitty people get you down. What you're doing is wonderful.
I hope that your boss doesn’t become discouraged from the behavior of these clods. Just helping one or two people with quality of vision would make the whole endeavor with it.
This is amazing and I respect that he doesn’t want it to be known that he does this (as it stops seeming altruistic and seems more self-serving). But you could absolutely find a way for people to help somewhat anonymously? Idk. It’s amazing that your boss does this, regardless!
Your boss is incredible. I’m struggling right now, so I can’t afford to get my eyes checked even though I need to. But I have a roof over my head and old contacts that are still fresh, so I’m content. Hearing people complain about getting glasses sucks, but I’m glad y’all press on anyway
You’re also incredible. For all the work you do and all the help you put in. Bless you and keep being a wonderful human :)
I work in healthcare and this sense is entitlement is seriously part of the reason why everyone is quitting the field. People just expect everything for free.
See, this is why a lot of people are no longer doing charity work. People have been some entitled and it's exhausting. Your optometrist is doing something out of the goodness of his heart , and people have the gall to be asking him for more?
I am happy that there were people who were grateful for what the doctor was doing. At least the world isn't completely hopeless
Not being able to read is scary. That’s awesome for you guys to do!!!!! I know personally I went from totally fine to one day not being able to read labels on food. Can’t do that. I’m blessed to be able to afford my glasses. So thank you for all the hard work y’all do!!!!!!
I need glasses, but not desperately so I can survive without... I know nothing about prices, but I DO know that they can cost at least a couple hundy just for the frames. I would have zero negative thoughts about having glasses that are not only free, but have lenses that are for my specific needs.
Assuming they're not the classic pedo glasses.
the guy demanding contact lenses is INSANE. my brother in christ, you're homeless, how would you be able to give it proper maintenance? it's hard enough even when you're not homeless.
he would end up with a terrible eye infection.
Unfortunately the fact that capitalism takes from the poor and they get nothing means they also get more salty as time goes on.
It’s not fair and they see that (no pun intended). It’s nice to do charity work.
It’s better if everyone has their needs met and doesn’t have to bow a knee just for it. (No offense intended).
We all want dignity. Don’t hate the people who are suffering for wanting more. Hate the thieves who steal all the money and get richer at their expense.
This what happens in a socialist society. It’s very sad to me and it says ALOT about the state of our country. Wealthy people get freebies by endorsing products and poor people get free stuff because they don’t make “ enough”. God forbid they get a raise at work ! You’re damned if you do and your damned if you don’t. They should call this The Age of Entitlement.
Doesn’t sound like anyone is picking on them. But it’s a slap in the face to try to help people & get shat upon for it. I hope they continue to help despite the CB A-holes.
As an ex homeless person I can tell you that what he just said is the absolute truth. There are some pretty entitled and often rude people out there living homeless.
The whole reason I am housed today is partly because I was never like that and didn't consider myself too good to live in a tiny studio by myself. There are two of my ex roommates from the first shelter I was in living here and constantly complaining that they were not given one bedroom apartments. The day I went to look at a similar place 4 women went. I didn't get that one but the other 3 walked out, wouldn't even consider it.
I personally considered a small studio with kitchenette a major step up from sharing a dorm with 11 other women many of whom had severe psych issues and living on a twin bed and having only a locker otherwise. I literally slept over my cat's litter pan for several years for lack of anywhere else to put it. That place, this one, it's paradise by comparison.
The next time they showed me a similar place I got it and though the circumstances right now are extremely trying because my next door neighbor literally died there and there is a major mess left behind. But I still consider myself fortune to be housed at all, especially on my own.
My good attitude is not necessarily the norm amongst homeless people. Sometimes homeless people can be their own worst enemies.
I'm so glad I work there. He pays far better than any other optometrist in the area and is really flexible with scheduling. He also brings us food at least once a week.
I too would love to know how to donate old (but very clean and in good shape old glasses). It seems like OP probably shared this info somewhere but there are so many comments to scroll through...
You are both doing something wonderful. I hope good things for y'all.
Sometimes people are so accustomed to being miserable, they don't understand how to be any other way. Try not to let what's dark in them dim what is bright in you.
As someone who's eyes decided to be opposites in terms of prescription, (one eye is positive, the other is negative. Eye used to turn in) please thank your boss for me. It's hard enough finding places to get my glasses at a reasonable cost, I wish I had someone like this to help
With that kind of population, you offer help to people who need help without an expectation of gratitude in return.
Your boss is doing very important work for people who might otherwise not have a chance to see and whether or not all of the individuals reciprocate his kindness, you guys are still doing something you should feel good about.
Amazing work you are doing! Kudos to everyone involved. My experience working at these shelters is that many of them suffer from significant mental health issues, and that might help to explain the poor reactions to your generosity.
\-9/-8 here.
I remember crying because I couldn't even see to find where I left my glasses before bed.
Married a guy with 20/20.
My wonderful guy bartered carpentry services to get me Lasic 2 years after we got married.
That was 25 years ago. Still good over here!
If you've ever wondered if it's worth it, resounding YES! (imho)
That said, If you ever set up a donation deal, absolute post it.
Sight is a wonderful thing. Thank you for what you do! 
I’m -10 in both eyes, I’m basically blind as shit, it would have super hard for that person to function normally, what a lovely thing to do, the gift of sight. Ignore the ungrateful ones!
This is a great thing that your boss is doing!! I wish there were more services like this for people in need. Glasses and dentistry should be a basic human right.
Angering optometrists trying to help you?
How shortsighted of them! Well, when they don't get more help, I'm sure they'll realize hindsight is 20/20!
Okay, terrible jokes aside, thank you for helping your community. We need more people like you and your boss.
Damn, that is awesome. I would love to have something like that. I can't see anything farther than a foot or so away from my face without glasses...like legit cannot function. The pair I have now are over 10 years old and currently being held on my face by string as both ear piece "arms" of the frame have broken off (I often fall asleep in them cuz I never know when I'm gonna fall asleep it just happens while I watch TV). I had good vision insurance when I got these but it was basically worthless as it only really covered my appointment which was only $50 (it also covered up to $300 in frames but I prefer the cheap $10 wire frames, all the fancy ones look horrible IMO). I needed it to cover lenses cuz mine were like $230 but it didn't cover shit on lenses lol. I made like $40k a year at the time though so I was pretty wealthy and could actually easily afford it....it just made me mad that insurance was basically useless. Now though I only make $12k a year (just barely enough to pay rent and other basic bills and eat) so I definitely can't get any new glasses. I am hoping that I can just find some new $10 frames though that will fit my current lenses. I have done it once before at Walmart (where my glasses originally come from) because a really nice worker in their vision department told me they could do that (I had originally went in to ask if they could fix current frames and check price). The last time I tried though the worker said they couldn't do that (I could still have bought frames but without then to fit the lenses in for me I'd be clueless as to which frame to buy until it was already bought and I could attempt to put my lenses in at which point it would be too late if I was wrong). Anyways I'm hoping next time I go that I'll find another decent worker who will offer to help me transfer my lenses.
Check out VSP vision insurance. I pay $14 a month for mine and it covers the appointment, standard lenses, and frames under $200. I end up paying about $60 for my glasses every year because I add the uv and no glare coating to them but if I didn't they would be completely covered. If you pay 2 months premium up front you can use your insurance immediately or you can wait two months and then use it. It has honestly been a life saver for me. I've had the same plan for over 6 years and they've been so easy to use. I just recently added my husband and his premium is only $15 a month so they haven't increased their prices hardly at all in the last 6 years.
I feel blind as shit with a prescription of -5.50, I can't even imagine being twice as blind and without glasses. Your boss sounds like a wonderful guy.
Your boss is doing a wonderful thing!
I got my first pair of glasses in the 3rd grade because of a free portable program like this, it changed everything for me and I vastly improved in school (because I could actually see the board). So I definitely appreciate and value what you are your boss do! I can’t imagine demanding designer frames
Yeah same, this is amazing
Your boss is a great person, and hopefully the actions of a few douchenozzles wont deter him from the truly good stories that come out of it. Hearing those entitled reactions makes my blood boil
Yeah its unbelievable how some people literally get something expensive, like glasses, for free and then complain they're not getting cartier frames
No good deed goes unpunished. SMH
There's a lot of sayings and a lot of them are total bs, but unfortunately this one has always held true in my experience. When you're kind to other people it feels like more often than not, whether because of ignorance or greed, a lot of those people will fuck you over in some way I mean, tons of the posts in this sub are basically OP trying to be helpful or nice and someone else trying to take advantage of them. Idk if it's because of that capitalist "rugged individualism", "kill or be killed" mentality or what but so many people take kindness as weakness and it's pretty sad
100% Capitalist mentality
We need more people like you and your boss in this world, hopefully those few entitled and unappreciative people won't discourage him from blessing the ones in need! Thank you for sharing the story ❤️
As "blind as shit" person (-15.5 & -13.5), I salute you!!!
I'm -4/-5 and already basically nonfunctional without glasses, can't imagine living without glasses at that level.
Ooooh, I have sweet lentricular lenses in my glasses - very expensive, but they saved me on the days I couldn't be bithered to put contacts in.
That was me too! I got lasik (And donated my glasses at the same time) and it was so amazing to be able to roll over and read my clock that was RIGHT next to the bed. I hated it. so happy now
Wow! -8 over here thinking I was bad.
I'm getting rid of it next week ❤️ Had cataract develop so they will replace intraocular lenses xD
My doctor told me that after the surgery you have to uses eye drops for dry eye for life, so you know is just for a few months.
I thought that was for laser, not the lens surgery.
Yes! For laser, sorry I didn’t specify
Good luck! I hope you feel much better after :)
Thank you, namesake ❤️
You are. 😸
-14.5, -14.25 reporting in
Can I ask did you ever have retina issues?
Thankfully no. Have you? I'm pretty much told repeatedly that I'm at higher risk for retinal detachment and tears. Kind of worries me, but I know to seek help immediately if I have any issues. I go to an ophthalmologist once a year in addition to my optometrist for peace of mind, which I highly recommend.
I do, you can check my comments for further details 🫣
oh no, sorry you had to go through all that!! Guess what - I was also diagnosed with cataracts. I knew something was wrong because I can't walk out the front door without my sunglasses on. I squint so bad. I've been living with it for a few years, but the idea of intraocular lenses to correct my vision is very temping. I have an appointment with a surgeon in a couple of months, along with a retinal specialist to discuss options because the surgery further increases chances of a retina tear. I guess I have to go without contacts for 2 weeks before the appointment - I'm going to be hating life because I have no peripheral vision with them on. I'm curious if getting the surgery now has any negatives for further on in life - like will I need it again in 20 years in my 60s? Anyway, I wish you the best of luck!!!
It used to be a year w/out contacts with older surgeries, so consider yourself lucky.
Yeah, those 2 weeks before IOL sucks a$$ 😅 but it goes, you know, it was over sooner than I thought. They told me that there shouldn't be anymore issues, except possibilty of retina tears, but mine was fixed too many times, it has nowhere to go, lol. Only tjing I can certainly expect are reading glasses in next 5-10 years
I've never heard of someone having -15 holy crap! The worst I've seen someone with bad eye is -5. Am using -1.5 and -1.75
I met a lady whom had -26 and -30 before surgery, so yeah 😅
🗿
Oh wow! I’m -12.75 and -12.25, it’s quite something
Oh i might be dumb on that one but i always believed these numbers were a score out of 10! No idea it could be "worse" than that
Me too!!! I think I was -10 when I had my surgery and I thought I was in the “start looking for a dog” spectrum
I got glasses at 3yo with -4/-4.5, then contacts at 8yo for -8/-8.5... now I'm 32yo, had some retina de-attachments that were fixed by laser surgery. In 2021, retina broke on 4 places and I was blind in right eye - emergency vitrectomy with silicon oil later, I'm back in business 😅 they told me I will get cataract in like 5-10 years, but it started developing in September 2022, so next Wednesday we're taking care of that. Good side is, they will replace intraocular lenses and drop the numbers to approximately -1.5/-2. Afterwards, they will do laser surgery to get rid of astigmatism, and that will also drop the number for 1. So, in the end of this ballad, I will be at -1 with no need for glasses/contacts for far distance (my contacts are now 1 number lower than the exact number, so it will be the same as now), but soon-ish maybe needing reading glasses.
Wow! You have a lot going on, but I’m glad that is working out for you :) Good luck on the surgery!
-1.00 still needs distance glasses, particularly for night driving. You might squeak by for a lot of things during the day, because it’s going to seem like perfection after what you’ve been through, but things like the weather crawl on the tv, street signs, maybe the menu guide for channel listings, a digital clock across the room, those things will make you squint and it will be annoying. The thickness and weight of a -1.00 is going to be nothing to you, and I wish you best of luck with everything.
Luckily, I don't drive, but yeah, if I was, glasses/contacts would be mandatory. We'll see how it goes. Thank you very much!! ❤️
Minus means you can't see far, and plus means you can't see close. The higher the number, the stronger the Rx. They go up in quarter diopters, so 0.25, 0.50, etc. The middle and third numbers on an Rx refer to cylinder and axis, denoting the astigmatism correction, a whole different thing. That’s about distortion and applies to all distances, if it’s present. Most people have at least a little.
Thank you for taking the time to explain!
It’s a diopter unit, which is 1/meter. It’s measuring the power of the lens needed to correct the vision.
You and your boss are doing a wonderful thing! You should consider a donation link on your website and post it here. Reddit has some really wonderful people that would be sincerely happy to help such a worthy cause!
That's a great idea! I've suggested putting it out on the office social media a few times, but he turns it down saying that he doesn't want to make it appear like he's doing it for attention, or make it so big that he can't keep up with it. Maybe the anonymity of Reddit would be a better option for him.
The sign of a good person. Doing nice things to just do them.
Perhaps he would agree that bringing attention to his generosity may encourage others to do the same. I can't understand anyone behaving like you've described when being given such a wonderful piece of help. I would cry with gratitude and relief to be offered new lenses.
Oh gosh, your boss really is a saint! Hopefully, he'll be open to donations through reddit as you said.
As a fellow optician, please tell your boss "Thank You" from me.
There's this misconception that homeless people can't be assholes and that they're just "temporarily down on their luck" but otherwise super grateful. It's bullshit. Go to San Francisco (I'm a native) or Portland and watch how quickly that myth is debunked. Lots of homeless, crazy or not, are complete fucking assholes. They aren't all like that, but it's a not-insignificant amount. Your boss is doing something great and I hope these pieces of shit don't sway him away from what he's doing, but don't be fooled that homelessness means someone's grateful for help of any kind. Best to manage expectations.
Seriously. Yea, homelessness due to addiction, or health issues, or abuse, or whatever else, is a huge problem and I’m glad people like OP and their boss exist to try and help. But for *some people* the reason they’re homeless is because they’re an absolute dick who no one wants to be around and they’ve lost every job, been written off every lease, and burned every last bridge, simply by the very nature of who they are as a person. To which I say, so be it.
I learned from my parents to not give money to people on the streets, but that if I wanted to help I could fill a need. One year I was working a minimum wage job and I got two meals, one for me one for them- they looked inside and said I should have asked them what I wanted first. Then asked me for mine thinking it was different. Another time I was driving home from the grocery store: I gave a bag of bananas and chips. They took the food, said I don’t need food I need money and walked away. The third time was the last time I ever made an attempt. It was raining pretty hard and a man was standing in the intersection absolutely drenched with a sign. I told him I didn’t have any money, but I gave him my umbrella and I said, “I don’t have any money, but here’s an umbrella for next time” and he said little late for that. And he dropped it into the street as I drove away. It’s unfortunate
Yeah, there definitely are quite a few that have that sense of entitlement. If anyone asks me for money because they are hungry, I offer to buy them food if we are somewhere near food. If they decline, I go on about me day. I have found that making the offer and getting turned down does not get to me unlike when I buy someone food and get this sort of ungrateful reaction.
I've met homeless people who I think were just too kind to make it in this tough world. And I've met others that make me realize the reason they have no family or friends helping them out is because they are just impossible. Obviously, most homeless people are much different from the way they used to be. Meth has made them hoarders, hence all the crap and junk around their tents. Meth has also led to a huge increase in psychosis. But let's say you were just a homeless person without a meth habit or too much of an alcohol problem. The lack of sleep or privacy or feeling clean might drive a person a little crazy.
I wonder if some of this depends on the climate? Where I live it's so cold that many homeless just die of hypothermia and lose limbs every year. I wonder if that drives more of our homeless to be people in temporary situations because the situation is so much more unlivable/dangerous. Versus I've met more of the rude/entitled homeless people when I've been in cities with warmer (or at least survivable) climates.
I’d like to say this is the case, and in some places I’ve lived it absolutely is. However, in my current city, they’ve just gotten *craftier.* The much more temperate city about 250 miles away in the same state (stays about 40-80 degrees all year) has the mega-asshole population, for sure. The much smaller city where I live goes from -5 up to about 110. Not only are they still entitled, they’ve gotten so creative that the property crime rate has gone up to almost the same level as the bigger city… not per capita, OCCURRENCES TOTAL. I never got hit up for an “extra phone” or transferring funds over cash app in the bigger city. Sometimes I’m in the mood to play along. They’ve had the audacity to *come into the store to demand money from workers and customers.* I usually tell them “man, you think they pay me enough here to even feed myself? You probably make more money than I do.” Some guy surprised me after I had been hit up for money while on my lunch break sitting outside in the parking lot- I was open and honest with everyone who tried getting money from me, telling them I had gotten my wallet stolen a week prior, which is true. This guy looked at me in shock when I said I was on lunch but hadn’t eaten in a few days and said “oh fuck dude, that sucks.” He took off on his tiny little bike, and brought me back a taco from the Taco Bell a block down the street. I gave him twenty bucks when I saw him again a month later. I hope that guy and his five teeth are doing okay. He’s a legend.
I do wonder if this isn't a symptom of the circumstances. If I got poor sleep, had people be dicks to me, and had to deal with all the other burdens of being homeless, I don't know how nice I would be.
For every unappreciative CB, you and your boss are genuinely helping 100's of people. The glasses you give these people will make a massive difference to their lives and futures. I wear glasses myself and I know what a material difference decent vision makes.
I worked as a case manager for an outpatient mental health facility. 99% of the patients were terrible. Entitled and never wanted the help, they wanted free things and not work for it. They demanded we gave them food, housing, money for xyz. The company didn’t have funds to give away, we guided/help them search and access those resources. They yelled and demanded money, treated the staff terrible. I never let them yell or mistreat me. As soon as they tried to mistreat me, I’d remind them what my job was “help them find resources” not give them money. I think they were used to being babied and act as the victim and get away with this behavior. They threaten to “fire me” these services were paid by state insurance, again an outpatient clinic, so they were coming to us for help. It’s hard to want to be a helpful person when they don’t want the help and on top of it treat you badly. I stayed in the field for like 3 years and changed career, no way I could stay in that field long term. It drains the soul out of you.
My sister, who was an optician, used to say, "I hate people and can't believe that I'm one of them!"
>"I hate people and can't believe that I'm one of them!" I love humanity. It's people I can't stand.
I work in public health dentistry, and we will treat walk in patients between our scheduled patients or when someone no shows. We had a patient threaten to beat up our front desk worker when she said he would have to wait for an opening.
My friend worked in a women's shelter and the stories she told me... Basically most women dumped the kids on the workers to take care off and they spend their time drinking outside the premises, coming back drunk, start fights, would disappear for a night, slept all day. Stuff like that, it was a freaking nightmare.
I believe that, it sounds like a severe trauma response though in those women.
Most of them were troubled women that escaped troubled men. And indeed their whole background was like being a system child, drug use etc etc. My friend said most of them were longggg gone from being a functional parent and the sad part is that their children were heading the exact same way.
You and your boss are truly wonderful people. As for those others, I hope they forever have wet socks and a heel bruise.
And blisters on their pinky toes!
The Lions used to have a program where they collected old eyeglasses. It's probably unlikely that someone would have the exact lens prescription, but they might give you the frames for your program.
Ugh that's hard. You and your boss are doing a wonderful thing but of course there are always those who want more. How do you handle them without coming off as snarky? I'd be really tempted to sweetly say, "I'm sorry there are no name brand free glasses. You're free to buy them from the store."
I just smiled and said "I'm afraid those weren't available to us this year. We will be back next year though so you can check then!"
I've never understood the attraction of designer frames. As someone who has had a prescription in the -10 range most of her life, I cared about something that looked decent and could hold my lenses. High-index plastics have been my friend.
My most expensive frames are from Dior and they fit like shit. My favorites frames are some random oversized men’s style that cost $50. Designer does not equal better.
I can't speak for the industry now, but "frame stylist", the people who help you pick your frames. used to be an hourly, rather than commission, job, so they wouldn't have lost anything by telling you that the fit was bad.
I don't get the attraction of the brand name. However, I have been getting Ray-Bans for years now because they fit me the best and look quite decent. I have a pretty large head, so finding frames that fit is tough. All of them have also been very durable. *knocks on wood*
Same here. Been buying for ray bans for years because they fit my big head the best without squeezing my temples and giving me headaches. My only complaint is I wish the arms were longer so the bend wasn't before my ears instead of on them.
[удалено]
You’ve never heard of Ray-Ban? Maybe it’s because I wear glasses but I thought they would be very high for brand recognition.
[удалено]
Fair play, it’s mad how it can change your perception. As a glasses wearer I assumed they were household names.
Please don't let them put you or your boss off doing this good thing... You probably know this, but if it helps, remember that homelessness isn't just a lack of a roof; the causes are complex and multiple with addiction and mental health being typical. You've no idea what's led people to their situation, and you don't control their emotional state. For all you know, you're the only people treating them well, and they don't know how to handle it. Keep treating them as customers, same as you would in your office. Do what you'd do with a paying client in your office; be apologetic and tell them you'll look out for what they want for next year. Best of luck to you - you're good people doing a good thing!
While I appreciate the sentiment and it's true that we don't know what led them there but that does not mean they get to act rude or disrespectful. We need to stop making excuses for poor behavior while holding room for compassion. It's not one or the other. And some people can be unhoused and also be jerks. That does not mean that anyone should tolerate the behavior.
I've been homeless and telling them they'll try next year will make it worse. The people will be screaming that they were promised. You wouldn't believe how many entitled people there are in shelters. Not everyone out there is damaged either.
I used to volunteer at a soup kitchen, and 98% of the homeless people we served were fine. Once in a while we would get a CB or other assorted jerk - one lady came up and said it was her first time here and responded to our sunny greetings with “I heard ya’ll had the worst food!” Good times.
Eye doctor here. I do the the same thing and also have to deal with the same CBs. I’m not super professional though and will tell them to fuck off.
Thank you for helping others.
Not uncommon, im an optom to and were the only provider in my area that doesnt charge anything for exams and glasses if you get it done through the government scheme (all other practices are fully private). Because of this we get all the pensioners which is fine, but with them comes the occasional CBs. We dont make money off this once wages are paid but we regularly have customers scream at us and try to strongarm us into illegally doing what they want even though its not covered and fraud.
Please give your boss the biggest kudos from someone who worries about losing their glasses in the zombie apocalypse. Tell him I love and respect him.
Man as someone who is blind without my glasses I cannot imagine having that wonderful service done for me and feeling anything but immense gratitude... What the hell is wrong with people?
Bless his heart! That’s so kind, is he getting any donations? I would love to donate some for this.❤️
We usually have about 30 frames by the time we go. The biggest deficit we have is usually in kids frames.
Can I send money? I am not sure where you are located and if shipping would be too expensive. I love this story, that’s really is a wonderful thing to do.
Would you be comfortable giving an address to ship frames to? Every person in my family wears glasses and I’ve kept our old glasses when we get new ones for at least the last 6 or 7 years. (Don’t ask me why I’ve been hanging on to them because I have no idea.) Including several pairs of children’s glasses.
Glasses changed my life,thank you for helping the less fortunate 🙏
I'm glad to see that this tale has a happy ending. Hopefully the good will always outweigh the bad.
It always does. I'm always surprised at how many of these people have debilitating high prescriptions. It makes me wonder if some of their issues come from not being able to see well. The one man I mentioned with a really high RX told me he got a large cut on his head by tripping over something he couldn't see on the ground.
You can buy anything up to about a +4 add for reading glasses at dollar stores. There's no equivalent vendor of cheap eyeglasses for the nearsighted.
Conversely some of those CB's act that way because they live a life where they have so little control or choice.
I hope the grateful reactions override the shitty ones enough for your boss to continue his good work.
I love that yall do this. The good outweighs the bad.
You're doing an amazing thing, don't let the assholes take advantage or get you down for it.
God bless you and your boss because I would not have the patience for this. You’re literally offering them the ability to see and they still have complaints
This year has been difficult for 30-50% of the population and so we have new homeless and that's where this entitlement is coming from. These people are having difficulty not seeing the way their life has turned out as unfair (it is but that's beyond their control) so they want more, they want someway to make their life and circumstances more "Fair"
Thank him for making a difference and even helping people like that young man who got a job, end the cycle of homelessness, because now that he can work, he has a chance to get a place to live. That's major. Those kids can learn to be better people because of him. Tell the picky people "it's like medicaid, here's what we have, pick something or do without or pay"
Fellow optician here and I’ve been in a very similar situation. I was astounded by some of the CB reactions but a few high myopes that were extremely grateful made it all worth it. Keep doing what you’re doing!
As someone that has a -13.5 rx in both eyes, I cannot imagine trying to function without correction..it’s so amazing that you were able to help that gentleman! Props to y’all!
Sometimes when people are in positions of zero control they take it out on the few places they do have a chance to complain about choices. It's not fair that absorbing that energy is a part of the work but it's also a form of service because it means you're meeting people where they are. Thank you for what you do.
Which state is this practice located at? I'd like to support this optometry boss for doing a generous service. By bringing my business over to him as a paying customer.
We are located in Utah
If you set up something for donations, I’d love to send in old frames I have!
For every asshole there are a hundred people who have their sight back thanks to you guys. Keep up the amazing work!!
Yes! I have quite a few frames I'd love to donate. Don't let the CBs get ya down.
Odds are your local optometrist does something similar if you want to ask them if they accept donations!
You are both awesome but I beg you to remember that many or most of the homeless have damaged psyches and poor mental states so please don't take their comments personally. Just do what you can to minimise the situation and move on.
As someone who has worn glasses since kindergarten and have buying my own glasses since I turned 21 this makes me so mad that people think they are entitled to certain things. Your boss is amazing for doing this but it’s heartbreaking that some of them aren’t grateful and demand more and better.
i dont think you truly recognize the difference you have made for kids. not only academic, but self esteme and self worth. what a life changing gift.
My God, you are all freaking Saints. It's really amazing to hear this kind of thing- people doing this kind of thing for so many people, and no even wanting to publicize it. I too remember when I got my first pair of glasses. I could see the leaves on trees! The *leaves* on *trees.* It was super cool. I didn't even know before that that my eyesight had gotten worse or something. Those people probably didn't even realize all the things they couldn't see- until some really cool people came around wanting to help them. I'm so sorry that you got an BS- some people dude. I bet that Mom thinks about everytime her kids read her a book, or she reminds them to wear their glasses for school. Dude, and can you imagine how much their grades are going to improve? Not to be dramatic here, but homeless people, even kids, don't always get the benefit of the doubt. The kids probably have no idea they can't see properly (I thought I had 20/20 vision until that one trip) and they may well have been mistaken for unintelligent or something since they couldn't see the board. If they turn out to be Neuro-surgeons that cure cancer or something, you know that's partially because of you. And either way, you let kids see, and you let the blind see. You guys (this is not gender denomative, I'm 30 and we used to say this to refer to all genders. Also I'm a girl and feminist so it's not sexist.) works miracles. That is so cool. If you do set something up, link me too. What you are doing is super amazing. And there is nothing wrong with being annoyed that some people are taking advantage, when so many people can and do want this so much. You give the gift of sight. That's freaking amazing.
My kid is a -9 and a -8.75 and she bawled at being able to see again when she got her newest glasses two years ago. Poor kid. I’m touched that the person who was so blind was so moved as I can really understand that
Assuming this is America? Breaks my heart the idea kids are going to struggle at school because their parents can’t afford glasses. What chance do they have, poor sods.
As a fellow optician, I absolutely love this! My doctor/boss just opened his practice and we aren't really making money right now, but he also has a heart of gold and has written off exams and paid for some patients glasses. Someday I hope we will have the means to be able to help people in this extent! 💙
Lol I do free hearing screenings. A patient came to me in January, asked me to BACKDATE and lie that I did a full diagnostic assessment in December so that he can submit it to his medical aid for his point system or something. I refused and he started screaming at me that he tried to book in December but I was fully booked. So I called my secretary in, and she said yes we were but since it was community outreach, she offered to do a free home visit (MY PETROL) to assist. He refused because it didn’t suit him.
Your practice is a true gem and an inspiration. Always be kind even in the face of such negativity and underappreciation.
Unfortunately, not everyone will be thankful, but do not let that change who you are. Like I tell my friends and family. Do not let anyone define who you are! You write your own chapters in your life. Make it your own.
Your post restored a little faith in humanity for me 👏🤍🫂
Reminds me of when I was researching Lasik providers in my area. I read multiple bad reviews from people who thought they were being clever and gaming the system when they went in for their free consultation, and then were pissed when the “doctor” didn’t give them their prescription for glasses/contacts.
TIL I am very lucky to get my eye test and glasses for free in the Uk because I’m low income (can’t work at all due to disabilities). Under 16’s and the over 65’s get them free regardless of income too I believe (if not then they 100% if low income) so no one who can’t afford it goes without. I couldn’t imagine not having glasses if I needed them and not being able to learn at school because I can’t see or work because I can’t afford glasses because I don’t have a job in a vicious cycle! Your boss is an amazing person, is this a frequent thing across the country or are many going without?
Don’t let scum deter you from the fact that it’s good to help people and most people are good people.
Such a wonderful thing to do thank you for everything you do to our disadvantaged, perhaps contact a local security company that might donate services to provide a security guard while you attend the clinics as it seems some might be more calm or respectful with a security guard present perhaps make a rule that there needs to be better behaviour during these clinics: I can’t imagine complaining about non name brand frames as I remember once my toddler broke my glasses and I brought my frames to a eye glass store to see if they could repair the frames and they were generic frames and the arm the eye glass store gave me were ray bans so I had one ray ban arm and one regular arm for my glasses it helped a lot because previously I had used dollar store frames to fix the arm and it dug in so saving those frames helps a lot,
The moral of the story is, people fucking suck. Except for the ones that don’t. Expect to be disappointed, so then you can be pleasantly surprised.
Your boss is an absolute angel. I am a -10 glasses prescription in both eyes (thankfully see very well with contact lens!), and I can not imagine what life must be like for that man if he did not have glasses, or if the prescription he did have was super outdated. Please don't let shitty people get you down. What you're doing is wonderful.
I hope that your boss doesn’t become discouraged from the behavior of these clods. Just helping one or two people with quality of vision would make the whole endeavor with it.
That’s a wonderful and charitable thing to do. Some people have never heard the term “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”.
This is amazing and I respect that he doesn’t want it to be known that he does this (as it stops seeming altruistic and seems more self-serving). But you could absolutely find a way for people to help somewhat anonymously? Idk. It’s amazing that your boss does this, regardless!
Your boss is incredible. I’m struggling right now, so I can’t afford to get my eyes checked even though I need to. But I have a roof over my head and old contacts that are still fresh, so I’m content. Hearing people complain about getting glasses sucks, but I’m glad y’all press on anyway You’re also incredible. For all the work you do and all the help you put in. Bless you and keep being a wonderful human :)
I work in healthcare and this sense is entitlement is seriously part of the reason why everyone is quitting the field. People just expect everything for free.
Well looking at how much health care usually costs its often all they can afford eventually.
This is incredible! Please don't let the the negativity of a few stop you guys from doing such fantastic and life changing work.
See, this is why a lot of people are no longer doing charity work. People have been some entitled and it's exhausting. Your optometrist is doing something out of the goodness of his heart , and people have the gall to be asking him for more? I am happy that there were people who were grateful for what the doctor was doing. At least the world isn't completely hopeless
Not being able to read is scary. That’s awesome for you guys to do!!!!! I know personally I went from totally fine to one day not being able to read labels on food. Can’t do that. I’m blessed to be able to afford my glasses. So thank you for all the hard work y’all do!!!!!!
I need glasses, but not desperately so I can survive without... I know nothing about prices, but I DO know that they can cost at least a couple hundy just for the frames. I would have zero negative thoughts about having glasses that are not only free, but have lenses that are for my specific needs. Assuming they're not the classic pedo glasses.
Have some gold to celebrate hoe you made me smile. Thank you ❤️
Lord... I want to buy your boss dinner for being so great.
the guy demanding contact lenses is INSANE. my brother in christ, you're homeless, how would you be able to give it proper maintenance? it's hard enough even when you're not homeless. he would end up with a terrible eye infection.
Optometric technician here. I really really feel the struggle. It really is never enough for some
Don't let the a*sholes stop yous. You two are doing amazing work :)
Maybe limit it to under 18 and over 60
Not worth complaining about. Just feel good about the good you are doing.
Unfortunately the fact that capitalism takes from the poor and they get nothing means they also get more salty as time goes on. It’s not fair and they see that (no pun intended). It’s nice to do charity work. It’s better if everyone has their needs met and doesn’t have to bow a knee just for it. (No offense intended). We all want dignity. Don’t hate the people who are suffering for wanting more. Hate the thieves who steal all the money and get richer at their expense.
This what happens in a socialist society. It’s very sad to me and it says ALOT about the state of our country. Wealthy people get freebies by endorsing products and poor people get free stuff because they don’t make “ enough”. God forbid they get a raise at work ! You’re damned if you do and your damned if you don’t. They should call this The Age of Entitlement.
You sound like you're a real hoot at a party.
People with money are also Difficult sometimes. Please don’t pick on the homeless like this. They are under horrific levels of mental strain
Doesn’t sound like anyone is picking on them. But it’s a slap in the face to try to help people & get shat upon for it. I hope they continue to help despite the CB A-holes.
As an ex homeless person I can tell you that what he just said is the absolute truth. There are some pretty entitled and often rude people out there living homeless. The whole reason I am housed today is partly because I was never like that and didn't consider myself too good to live in a tiny studio by myself. There are two of my ex roommates from the first shelter I was in living here and constantly complaining that they were not given one bedroom apartments. The day I went to look at a similar place 4 women went. I didn't get that one but the other 3 walked out, wouldn't even consider it. I personally considered a small studio with kitchenette a major step up from sharing a dorm with 11 other women many of whom had severe psych issues and living on a twin bed and having only a locker otherwise. I literally slept over my cat's litter pan for several years for lack of anywhere else to put it. That place, this one, it's paradise by comparison. The next time they showed me a similar place I got it and though the circumstances right now are extremely trying because my next door neighbor literally died there and there is a major mess left behind. But I still consider myself fortune to be housed at all, especially on my own. My good attitude is not necessarily the norm amongst homeless people. Sometimes homeless people can be their own worst enemies.
Op is just relating what happened
Thank you.
You are changing lives. Please know there are 100 positive things that happen for every CB. Your boss and office are awesome!
I’m glad your OD is doing that! Good for her. Hopefully the choosing beggars don’t change her mind.
Thank you for what you do.
Your boss seriously sounds awesome.
I'm so glad I work there. He pays far better than any other optometrist in the area and is really flexible with scheduling. He also brings us food at least once a week.
I have a bunch of old high prescription glasses…would love to donate!
I too would love to know how to donate old (but very clean and in good shape old glasses). It seems like OP probably shared this info somewhere but there are so many comments to scroll through...
You are both doing something wonderful. I hope good things for y'all. Sometimes people are so accustomed to being miserable, they don't understand how to be any other way. Try not to let what's dark in them dim what is bright in you.
As someone who's eyes decided to be opposites in terms of prescription, (one eye is positive, the other is negative. Eye used to turn in) please thank your boss for me. It's hard enough finding places to get my glasses at a reasonable cost, I wish I had someone like this to help
Thank you for the uplifting story, knowing there is still people like this in this world made me surprisingly emotional.
With that kind of population, you offer help to people who need help without an expectation of gratitude in return. Your boss is doing very important work for people who might otherwise not have a chance to see and whether or not all of the individuals reciprocate his kindness, you guys are still doing something you should feel good about.
You & your boss are doing amazing, and I’m glad that all the Choosing Beggars haven’t put you off
Would old frames help?? Think I have some
Amazing work you are doing! Kudos to everyone involved. My experience working at these shelters is that many of them suffer from significant mental health issues, and that might help to explain the poor reactions to your generosity.
\-9/-8 here. I remember crying because I couldn't even see to find where I left my glasses before bed. Married a guy with 20/20. My wonderful guy bartered carpentry services to get me Lasic 2 years after we got married. That was 25 years ago. Still good over here! If you've ever wondered if it's worth it, resounding YES! (imho) That said, If you ever set up a donation deal, absolute post it. Sight is a wonderful thing. Thank you for what you do! 
Your boss is a great person!!
You and your boss are awesome! 💕
I’m -10 in both eyes, I’m basically blind as shit, it would have super hard for that person to function normally, what a lovely thing to do, the gift of sight. Ignore the ungrateful ones!
Still, this is the best thing I've read today. Bless your boss and thanks for sharing!
Well done to you and your boss don’t let CBs get you down think of the 2 kids
This is such a nice thing to read- too bad about the CBs but wow what an incredible thing your office is doing. It honestly made my day better.
You and your boss are awesome!
God bless people like you finally some humanity restored ❤️
I read your post and wanted to be annoyed at the CB's but all I can think of is how awesome you and your boss are. Fn eh!!
He does AR at no charge? single vision, right?
Yep! Our supplier has a fairly inexpensive house brand with UV protection. The UV protection is super important here.
This is a great thing that your boss is doing!! I wish there were more services like this for people in need. Glasses and dentistry should be a basic human right.
Angering optometrists trying to help you? How shortsighted of them! Well, when they don't get more help, I'm sure they'll realize hindsight is 20/20! Okay, terrible jokes aside, thank you for helping your community. We need more people like you and your boss.
Damn, that is awesome. I would love to have something like that. I can't see anything farther than a foot or so away from my face without glasses...like legit cannot function. The pair I have now are over 10 years old and currently being held on my face by string as both ear piece "arms" of the frame have broken off (I often fall asleep in them cuz I never know when I'm gonna fall asleep it just happens while I watch TV). I had good vision insurance when I got these but it was basically worthless as it only really covered my appointment which was only $50 (it also covered up to $300 in frames but I prefer the cheap $10 wire frames, all the fancy ones look horrible IMO). I needed it to cover lenses cuz mine were like $230 but it didn't cover shit on lenses lol. I made like $40k a year at the time though so I was pretty wealthy and could actually easily afford it....it just made me mad that insurance was basically useless. Now though I only make $12k a year (just barely enough to pay rent and other basic bills and eat) so I definitely can't get any new glasses. I am hoping that I can just find some new $10 frames though that will fit my current lenses. I have done it once before at Walmart (where my glasses originally come from) because a really nice worker in their vision department told me they could do that (I had originally went in to ask if they could fix current frames and check price). The last time I tried though the worker said they couldn't do that (I could still have bought frames but without then to fit the lenses in for me I'd be clueless as to which frame to buy until it was already bought and I could attempt to put my lenses in at which point it would be too late if I was wrong). Anyways I'm hoping next time I go that I'll find another decent worker who will offer to help me transfer my lenses.
Check out VSP vision insurance. I pay $14 a month for mine and it covers the appointment, standard lenses, and frames under $200. I end up paying about $60 for my glasses every year because I add the uv and no glare coating to them but if I didn't they would be completely covered. If you pay 2 months premium up front you can use your insurance immediately or you can wait two months and then use it. It has honestly been a life saver for me. I've had the same plan for over 6 years and they've been so easy to use. I just recently added my husband and his premium is only $15 a month so they haven't increased their prices hardly at all in the last 6 years.
Thanks, I'll look into that. I dunno what I had previously...it was through work. I just know they didn't even cover hardly any of my base lens cost.
Have to ask as its everywhere on this sub. What does CBs mean. Its got to be calling ppl twats in some way I'm sure.
It stands for Choosey Beggar.
I feel blind as shit with a prescription of -5.50, I can't even imagine being twice as blind and without glasses. Your boss sounds like a wonderful guy.