Improving sight.
Transforming lives.
Specs for Africa collects pre‑loved reading glasses and sunglasses in the UK and delivers them to community projects across eastern and southern Africa - helping people read, learn, work, and earn again.
12,000+ pairs of glasses sent
24 community projects supported
5 countries reached
12,000+ pairs of glasses sent 24 community projects supported 5 countries reached
Introduction
We collect pre‑loved spectacles and sunglasses in the UK, measure their lens strength, clean and label what we can use, and pack them ready for delivery to trusted community partners across Africa.
Steps:
1. Collect - Reading glasses and sunglasses donated across the UK
2. Process - Measure, clean, label and carefully pack each pair
3. Deliver - Transported by travellers or freight to community projects
Getting them out to Africa….
In our first three years we have managed to get over 10,000 pairs of specs/sunglasses out to projects thanks to the generosity of business people, holidaymakers and other contacts – all of whom have donated some of their hold luggage to carry a bag or two of specs with them.
We also use freight services for major projects where specs/sunglasses need to be delivered at scale.
UK-based African travel experts Safari Consultants and online specs retailer Good Lookers have been incredible in helping us.
Do you have any old pairs of glasses you don’t need?
Our Process
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01
Measured. Packed. Proven.
To make sure glasses are genuinely useful, we’ve developed a simple but effective process.
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02
Lens strength and sorting.
We use professional equipment to measure and label lens strength accurately. Glasses that cannot be used are responsibly recycled.
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03
Simple sight checks.
Each consignment includes a reading chart so local partners can help match people to the most suitable magnification.
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04
Delivery you can trust.
Most consignments travel in the hold luggage of people already flying to Africa, ensuring they reach their destination safely and reliably.
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05
Supporting fact.
Each delivery typically contains around 50 pairs of glasses and weighs approximately 1.2kg.
Why it matters…
In many rural communities there is little access to eye care. Poor eyesight can prevent people from working, learning, or earning a living. Something as simple as a pair of reading glasses can immediately restore independence and opportunity.
Enables adults to return to skilled, close‑up work
Supports reading and learning for children and adults
Helps families generate income again
Provides both reading glasses and sunglasses where needed
Clarification note:
Specs for Africa does not provide medical eye tests or diagnoses. We provide practical reading glasses and sunglasses to support everyday needs.
REAL LIFE STORY
“Betty Ncumbe from Dirimwe, Zimbabwe, could no longer thread a needle to earn a living basket weaving. After receiving a pair of reading glasses, she was able to work again and support her family.”
Projects we support
We currently support community projects and clinics across five countries:
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Lewa Conservancy Trust, Mara Rianda Clinic, Kicheche Community Trust, and others
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Remote Africa, Chiawa Clinic, Conservation Lower Zambezi, and others
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Smile and See, Soft Foot Alliance, Bushlife Conservancy, and others
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Muloza Health Centre, Mulanje
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Zuri Zanzibar
How you can help…
Donate your specs
Send us your pre‑loved reading glasses or sunglasses to be reused.
Carry a bag to Africa
If you’re travelling to one of our destination countries, we can provide a prepared bag to take in your hold luggage.
Sponsor a shipment or materials
Financial donations help cover freight costs and essential packing materials.
Spread the word about Specs For Africa
Following and sharing our story helps us reach more supporters.
About Us
Specs for Africa was founded by Anne and Peter Corder, who have travelled across Africa for over 30 years.
After witnessing first‑hand how life‑changing simple reading glasses could be, they began collecting and delivering spectacles to communities in need. Since 2022, the charity has grown through generosity, trust, and personal connections.
