In a land of countless Buddhas, the figure enshrined at the Shwemyetman Pagoda in the town of Shwedaung stands out, thanks to its pair of enormous goldrimmed spec tacles. The first set is said to have been gifted during the Konbaung era. They were stolen shortly after, and since then the statue has had a series of replacements (thieves keep stealing them). The Shwemyetman Buddha is believed to have the power to cure ailments related to the eyes, and the temple is a popu- lar pilgrimage destination for Myanmar’s visually impaired.