What to Do with Old Prescription Glasses? 3 Sustainable Ideas

February 24, 2025

By donating or repurposing your old glasses, you can give your once-beloved eyewear a new purpose. Whether you donate them or replace the lenses, there are a few ways to put old frames to good use.

Keep reading, and we'll let you know what you can do with old glasses.

Key Takeaways

Donate your old eyewear to those in need
Update your prescription and keep your frames
Make a collection of specialty eyewear

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#1. Donate Your Old Eyewear to Those in Need

If your once-treasured glasses spend most of their time tucked into the back of your nightstand drawer, it's time to give them a newfound life purpose.

One of the best things you can do with your used glasses is to pass them on to those in need.

Around 1 in 3 people around the world have some degree of poor vision yet lack access to eye care. By donating your glasses, you're giving another person an opportunity to see clearly, which can significantly improve their overall quality of life.

If your used glasses are in good shape, drop them off at our Seattle eye clinic, and we'll make sure they make them into the hands of someone in need. We have an ongoing partnership with VOSH-Northwest, a global organization dedicated to helping people who lack access to eye care.

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Image Source: VOSH-Northwest

VOSH-Northwest works to redistribute donated glasses and provide eye care services to underserved communities. Recently, VOSH-Northwest completed a successful mission trip to Uganda, where they were able to treat over 1,300 patients.

#2. Update Your Prescription and Keep Your Frames

Just because you consider your glasses "old" doesn't mean you need to part ways! If your frames are still in good condition, all you need to do is swap out the prescription lenses.

Just visit your optometrist, get an eye exam, and update your prescription. With a new prescription, you'll be able to outfit your frames with new lenses, giving you the clarity and comfort you deserve!

You can also turn your glasses into sunglasses by swapping the lenses.

Bonus: How Are Prescription Eyeglass Lenses Made?

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#3. Make a Collection of Specialty Eyewear

Trends can come and go, but that doesn't mean you need to toss your seemingly out-of-date glasses. There are plenty of styles that make a comeback, so why not keep your glasses to stay ahead of the curve?

For example, aviator frames peaked in the 70s and 80s before falling away in the 2000s. However, they've definitely made a comeback in recent years, and they are now seen as a symbol of class and adventure!

Other styles that have made a comeback include cat-eye frames, tortoiseshell frames, and round wire frames.

So, if you consider your glasses to be "old" or "outdated," that doesn't mean you need to part ways with them. Save them, and build a collection of specialty eyewear that you can use to add flair to your outfits.

The Bottom Line

Whether your prescription changes or your frames break, there are a few reasons why it might be time to upgrade your collection of eyewear. Repurpose, donate, or save your old glasses, and elevate your collection with new frames from designers like Jacques Marie Mage or Barton Perreira.

Keep Reading: Why Do My Glasses Give Me a Headache? 3 Reasons Why