Those old eyeglasses may have once represented the epitome of eyewear fashion, but now they are dated and the lens prescription no longer applies. Rather than just tossing them in a drawer, why not recycle those out-of-date spectacles? Children in developing countries who lack adequate eye care may lose out on educational opportunities. Adults without properly prescribed glasses may lose their livelihood. The simple act of donating old eyeglasses can make a big difference in the life of someone who cannot afford quality eye care.
How It Works
Many charity organizations collect old eyeglasses that can be recycled and made available to the underprivileged. So long as a pair of eyeglasses is in good condition, it can be recycled. Plastic or metal frames, reading glasses and even sunglasses can be put to use. Once these glasses have been donated they are processed, usually by unpaid volunteers, and shipped to various charitable organizations or medical missions. These organizations will recycle the donated spectacles and make them available to individuals who need them.
Donation Spots
Two organizations that offer collection boxes are Goodwill Industries and the Lions Club. Contact these organizations to find the nearest drop-off locations. Several businesses such as LensCrafters, Pearle Vision Eyewear, Sears Optical and Target Optical collect old eyeglasses in local stores and make them available to charitable organizations for recycling.
Other Ways to Help
New glasses will not be of much help if they do not contain lenses that are prescribed for the individual. Vision Aid Overseas is an organization that sends optometrists and opticians to developing countries. These professionals volunteer their time to care for patients and prescribe corrective lenses. The charitable organization New Eyes for the Needy performs similar services both overseas and in the United States. These organizations accept cash donations, and New Eyes for the Needy will also accept donations of out-of-prescription eyeglasses. In addition to donations, these groups also appreciate volunteers who are willing to give their time. Civic groups can even conduct collection drives and reach out to the local community for donations.