A not for profit organization has asked for donations to help save children’s sight by providing youngsters with vital Vitamin A.

More than half a million children will lose their sight because of a deficient diet, Vitamin Angels say.

An estimated 134 million children below five years in the developing world are lacking this nutrient.

Howard Schiffer, who founded Vitamin Angels 14 years ago, said: "Vitamin A deficiency does its worst damage during childhood and is a major contributor to child mortality and illness."

One of the most common effects of Vitamin A deficiency is blindness, he added.

Vitamin A supplements which cost as little as 25 cents can increase a child’s survival rate by 23 per cent, according to Vitamin Angels.

The charity distributed help for more than seven million in 40 countries around the world last year.

Statistics show that over 30 per cent of the world’s population suffers from micronutrient deficiencies.