KNIGHTDALE - "I would never have imagined that waiting anywhere for five hours could be such a joyous and humbling experience," explained Amy Pierce of Wake Forest, who traveled to Knightdale last month to receive free eye care.

Pierce was one of about 150 people who lined up in the early morning hours of Aug. 19 outside Knightdale Eye Care and Wendell Eye Care as doctors and staff sponsored a Give Back Day.

Because of tight economic times, many people are skipping out on much needed eye care.

"The cost of glasses and eye exams can become a burden to low-income families," said Laura Tyman, financial coordinator for the eye care offices.

Because of this, the staff agreed it was time to "give back" and provided free eye exams and glasses.

One man "who said he wasn't seeing well" came into the office and they discovered glaucoma, said Dr. Tim Poirer. "He had already lost the sight in one eye" and the staff believes they can save the sight in the other eye. "We had people come in who were going blind and we worked to save their sight. People walked in with glasses being held together with glue. There were some patients who had not received an eye exam in over 10 years. Many parents brought in their kids. It was just a great day."

Dr. Adam Palo from Charlotte came to help out, said Poirer, adding it was a day full of "'God bless you.'"

"We call the east Wake community home," said Dr. Jon Lutz, adding it was great to be able to give back. "We received a lot of smiles and gracious 'thank yous.'"

Not only the doctors, but everyone on staff, was touched by the tremendous outpouring of gratitude, said Tyman. "Many of the people who we helped have called, emailed or sent cards thank us for our generosity which all just confirms we did the right thing."

The eye care centers have decided to make it an annual event.

"We would love to make it semi-annual if anyone is interested in sponsoring it or donating funds to help make it happen," said Tyman.

Opticians Beverly Byers said "giving back" meant just as much to the staff as those who were helped. "It was just the right thing to do."