Posted on June 12, 2001 at 4:00 p.m.

THE SCOOP:

The UAB student chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists is seeking donations of used eyeglasses for its upcoming mission trip to Chinameca, El Salvador.

THE TRIP:

FCO’s goal is two-fold: eye care for the needy and Christian mission work. A group of approximately 25 students, doctors and spouses will leave June 27 to conduct as many as 1,000 eye exams a day for underprivileged people in Chinameca and the surrounding areas. The screenings will include everything from preliminary tests to refractions to dilated eye exams. Each night after dinner, the group will minister to those in need by sharing the word of God through crusade-type activities.

THE DEAL:

The FCO chapter is working in conjunction with local Lions clubs to get the supplies and equipment it needs to provide eye exams. But the agreement with the Lions clubs requires the group to replenish the supply of used eyeglasses.

THE DROP:

Used eyeglasses can be dropped off at the UAB Baptist Campus Ministries, located on the corner of 10th Avenue South and 15th Street South.

THE REASON:

“This year’s FCO mission trip to El Salvador — the first of its kind to the area — is going to be a great experience for all those involved,” said Barrett Simpson, a fourth-year optometry student and member of the FCO. “And El Salvador is definitely a country in need. The fact that it is Third World, compounded with the recent earthquake devastation, has placed a heavy responsibility on our shoulders to give its people the physical and spiritual care they require.”