How to Donate Eyeglasses

There are one billion people in the world who need eyeglasses but do not have enough money to purchase them. This huge need can be filled with your old eyeglasses you no longer use. Donating your old eyeglasses can be as simple as putting them in the mail or dropping them in a collection box.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Old eyeglasses

1. Gather all of your old eyewear. Eyeglass distribution charities accept prescription eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, non-prescription sunglasses and reading glasses.
2. Contact your local Lions Club to see if they have an eyeglass drop box in your community. To find contact information for your local Lions Club, visit LionsClub.org and click on "Find a Lions Club Near You." Lions Clubs have been donating eyeglasses for over 80 years.
3. Find a Lions Club Recycling Center to mail your glasses to if there is not a drop box in your area. From the Lions Club website, click on "Vision Programs" then "Eyeglass Recycling" and then "Recycling Centers" for a list of recycling centers where you can mail your glasses.
4. Remove loose or broken lenses and frames from the glasses before shipping.
5. Ship eyeglasses in a durable, corrugated cardboard box.
6. Notify the recycling center before sending them large shipments of eyeglasses.

Tips & Warnings

• The Lions Club recommends the least expensive shipment option available.
• Label "No Commercial Value" on package before shipping.
• Send glasses right away to avoid any decrease in quality.