If you’ve recently purchased an amazing pair of new glasses, you might be wondering what to do with the old ones.
Many organizations, both locally and online, accept donations of used eyeglasses. These donated glasses can provide much-needed aid for those who may be unable to afford a new pair of glasses on their own.
Read on to learn more about how to prepare your prescription eyeglasses for donation and where these used eyeglasses may be accepted.
Key takeaways
- Over 60% of adults wear sunglasses or some sort of corrective eyewear
- Lions Clubs International is among the most well-known distributors of donated eyeglasses, with chapters across the globe
- Donation sites may include online organizations, thrift stores, and local eyecare providers like Oculus Eyecare in Seattle, Washington
See Related: What Are Glasses Frames Made Of? Materials & More
Where to donate eyeglasses
Access to corrective lenses can significantly improve an individual’s sight and their quality of life.
If you recently purchased a new pair of eyeglasses, you have two options: toss the old pair or donate them. If you are hoping to donate glasses or sunglasses, you have several options.
One of the most popular places for collecting eyeglasses donations include Lions Clubs International.
Lions Clubs International
One of the most common organizations to gift your glasses to is Lions Clubs International, a worldwide nonprofit organization committed to humanitarian causes like blindness prevention, hunger alleviation, and more.
This organization has been working to fight vision impairment and blindness since 1925. Its Recycle for Sight Program is responsible for providing thousands of corrective lenses to people across the world.
Eyeglasses can be donated to Lions Clubs International via Walmart Vision Centers, local clubs, and the Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Centers (LERC).
Thrift stores
Donating your old, unused eyeglasses to a thrift store can help someone else obtain them for a fraction of the price.
Local eyecare providers
Consider local stores or eyecare providers when donating eyeglasses. For example, residents in the Seattle area can stop by Oculus Eyecare to donate their prescription glasses. Glasses collected at Oculus Eyecare are then donated to VOSH-Northwest, helping to provide much-needed resources to communities overseas.
Local schools
Your local school may have a program in place to donate used glasses to children, free of charge.
Libraries and community centers
Many local libraries and community centers work with local shelters and other aid providers to provide free or low-cost glasses to local residents.
Bonus: What Is Prism Correction in Eyeglasses?
What to do before you donate used eyeglasses
With over 60% of adults wearing prescription glasses for better eyesight, your old pair of used eyeglasses may very well help another individual in need.
There are a few key steps you should take before dropping off your old eyeglasses at the collection box.
Some things you can do to prepare your glasses to be donated include:
- Ensure glasses are clean: Wipe down the frames and lenses of your old eyeglasses.
- Package them appropriately: Unprotected glasses may become scratched in the donation box. You can prevent damage by packaging them in a glasses case or protective bag.
Conclusion
Eye care is important no matter your age, and helping others access quality prescription eyeglasses means helping them enjoy a better quality of life.
Whether you choose to donate your eyeglasses to the Lions Club, your local library, or eyecare providers like Oculus Eyecare, you can take comfort in the fact that you are giving the gift of better sight to someone in need.
Keep Reading: How Long Does An Eye Exam Take?
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Oculus Eyecare is Seattle’s premier optometry practice and optical boutique for those looking to see and be seen in a new way. Located in South Lake Union on Denny Way, Oculus Eyecare offers comprehensive eye care services and exams for individuals and families in Seattle. Click here to schedule an appointment or a personal styling session. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.