Sara Roberts is a content contributor for Just Eyewear, an eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses retailer.
One man’s trash is more than another man’s treasure; it could be another man’s livelihood. While your prescription may not work for your eyes anymore, it may still be the perfect one for someone else’s eyes. Whether you are changing glasses because you’re just ready for new frames, or because the prescription has changed, help out your fellow man by donating your old glasses.
Donated Glasses Around the World
Glasses are relatively inexpensive in the United States and other developed countries, but in many areas of the world, they are a huge luxury item. Incredibly expensive, they can be difficult to obtain for many people. Donated eyeglasses that are being recycled are the perfect solution for people whose failing vision is interfering with their ability to work. Those eyeglasses that will simply sit in a drawer at your home, or be thrown away, could be a huge blessing for someone who can’t afford them. Medical missions throughout the world take donated glasses and put them in the hands of people that can use them to see. Children and adults alike become more independent thanks to donated, recycled glasses.
Donated Glasses Help Local People, too
The benefits aren’t limited to third world countries, either. Right in your own backyard, there are people who can’t afford to buy glasses, but need them desperately. Children struggle in school, and parents are struggling to get through the day at work. But money for glasses isn’t always in the budget. Donating your old glasses can help ease the burden of someone right in your hometown.
Making the Donation
There are many organizations dedicated to taking used eyeglasses and getting them to the people who can benefit from them. LASIK surgery centers usually have a bowl for you to drop your glasses in since you won’t be wearing them anymore. The Lions Club and Goodwill Stores proudly sponsor drop boxes. Many traditional eyeglass retailers are also more than happy to get your glasses to the right group. If you go through LensCrafters, Sears Optical, Pearle Visions, Target Optical or Sunglass Hut for your eyeglasses, ask them about donating your old specs.
OneSight
OneSight is one group that works to get the glasses re-homed to someone who can benefit from them. They operate worldwide, and are always looking for more donations.
New Eyes for the Needy
Located at 549 Millburn Avenue in Short Hills, NJ 07078, New Eyes for the Needy is also prepared to take your glasses and get them where they need to be.
Do a Good Deed
You don’t have to wait until you personally have old glasses to donate. Most people have several friends who wear glasses. Ask them if they have old pairs they’re ready to part with. Check with the lost and found departments of hotels, mortuaries and local amusement parks and schools to see if they have unclaimed glasses that can be donated. Whether you collect one pair or twenty, send the collection on to the collection groups. Better yet, get the whole family involved by having a drive through your local school or church.
If you are packing the glasses yourself, pack them lightly in a shipping box or envelope. Don’t crush them against each other, as this can scratch the lenses. If any lenses are broken, they should not be included in the box. Drop the box at your nearest collection facility, or mail them to New Eyes for the Needy. Remember, one woman’s trash could easily be the way another woman gets to see her children’s faces clearly for the first time.