The gift of eyesight

Newton - When Shawn Benson, owner of The Optical Center in Newton, needed a helping hand to open his business, David Blair was there to offer it. The catch was that he expected Benson to do the same for others. Now, Benson passes on the same spirit of giving to those in need. “David was down in Florida, sitting in a restaurant,” recalled Benson. “He’d noticed that his waitress was wearing broken eyeglasses, and called me to see what I could do. Not long after that, he called again to say someone’s kids needed glasses. That’s how the whole thing got started.” In 1995, Benson created the David Blair Foundation, which, through the Newton Lions’ Club, provides three eye examinations and three pairs of glasses each month, free of charge, to the needy in the Newton area. His enthusiasm is contagious: Dr. Angelo Cervone, an optometric physician, donates his services for free as well. This week, a plaque was given to the David Blair Foundation by the Lions’ Club of Newton in recognition for all the foundation does for the sake of the visually handicapped. Eyesight is one of the primary charities of the Lions. The plaque was presented by Marion Lyzell, club secretary. For information on the David Blair Foundation or the Lions’ Club, call 973-383-5373.