Jake Gyllenhaal has been honoured for his charity work by bosses of an eyecare organisation he has supported since he was a child.

The Brokeback Mountain star is a spokesman for New Eyes For The Needy, which provides glasses for those who cannot afford them, and he has been donating his unwanted spectacles to the cause since he was a youngster.

Gyllenhaal was feted for his contribution to the charity at the New Eyes for the Needy 80th Anniversary Gala in New York City on Monday (19Nov12).

The actor gave a speech at the event and told the audience his grandfather encouraged him to donate his glasses.