Recycling Vision
December 22, 2008 by Steph
During the holidays, many parents will be thrilled as they watch the eyes of their child light up with the wonder of the season. But for some parents, looking into their child’s eyes is a painful reminder of vision problems they cannot afford to address. If you have old eyeglasses or sunglasses sitting in a drawer, there are several organizations who would love to help you pass them along to someone who needs them.
Here are a few statistics to place this issue into perspective.
• Over 1 billion people in developing countries need eyeglasses but cannot afford them (Unite for Sight).
• In the United States, 1 out of every 4 preschool-aged children may have a vision problem that can affect their education (Prevent Blindness America).
• Over 4 million pairs of eyeglasses are thrown away each year in North America (Unite for Sight).
As with many donations, donating old glasses can also make your life better:
• You know that you helped someone see the faces of loved ones, a task at work, or the blackboard at school.
• Donating these items provides you a tax deduction. See IRS Publication 561 for tips on valuing your donation.
• You now have more room in your drawers.
If you would like to donate your old glasses, check with your local optometrist office to see if they collect used glasses or try one of the following organizations.
What do they do? The Lions Clubs work to meet the demand for quality eyeglasses in developing nations.
How do I donate? They work with optometrists and local community volunteers to collect eyeglasses so check their website for a collection point near you.
What do they accept? The Lions International Eyeglass Recycling Program accepts all types of eyeglasses and sunglasses, both prescription and non-prescription, as well as reading glasses. Children’s eyeglasses are especially needed.
What do they do? Unite for Sight offers vision screenings and education programs in local community centers such as at soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
How do I donate? On their website is a form you can complete and submit to the closest location to mail your donation.
What do they accept? Unite for Sight accepts eyeglasses and eyeglass cases that are in good condition
What do they do? New Eyes purchases glasses for poor children and adults in the United States and sends donated eyeglasses to the poor in developing nations.
How do I donate? Mail your glasses in a padded box or envelope to
New Eyes for the Needy
549 Millburn Avenue
PO Box 332
Short Hills, NJ 07078
The costs of mailing are also tax deductible.
What do they accept? New Eyes accepts plastic eyeglasses and sunglasses in good condition; metal eyeglasses in any condition; pairs of prescription lenses as well as hearing aids.
What do they do? OneSight provides free vision care and eyewear to those in need both domestically and abroad.
How do I donate? On behalf of OneSight, LensCrafters locations accepts donations.
What do they accept? OneSight accepts old prescription glasses and either prescription or non-prescription sunglasses.
I’ve needed glasses since high school. A love of reading and postsecondary degrees have taken their toll; my eyesight is bad and getting worse. (I once had someone with normal vision try on my glasses and exclaim, “I can see germs!”) I can’t imagine what my life would be like with uncorrected vision. I’m collecting our old eyeglasses for donation and hope you’ll join me!
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What a great post! Did you know that some companies recycle their returned eyeglasses by donating them to other people? Also, companies like GlassesUSA are starting to stock “green” and earth-friendly eyeglasses!!