How to Recycle Eyeglasses

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 25 percent of the world's population needs eyeglasses. You can help a person in need by donating glasses you no longer use.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Eyeglasses
• Reading Glasses
• Running Sunglasses
• Straps For Sunglasses
• Sunglasses
• Packaging Tape
• Packing Peanuts

1. Call (800) CLEANUP for a list of drop-off centers for your old eyeglasses. These centers are affiliated with a program called Give the Gift of Sight, which is sponsored by the Lions Club and LensCrafters.

2. Check with your local Lions Club or LensCrafters for more information about the Gift of Sight program.

3. Send eyeglasses to other organizations that help the needy, such as Medical Ministry International. Address the package to Medical Ministry International, Attn: eyeglass recycling, 12281 SW 28th, Miami, FL 33175. Glasses can also be sent to SightFirst Eyeglass Recycling Center, 34 W. Spain, Sonoma, CA 95476.

Tips & Warnings

• Eyeglasses are cleaned, repaired and often sent to other countries; U.S. laws sometimes prohibit prescription eyewear from being distributed for secondhand use.
• Be sure to package glasses with plenty of packaging materials to ensure safe travel.

Who Can Help Sponsored

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on 9/10/2007 Lens Crafters and Lions Club have a great program for kids called Sight Night. Kids print out or order door fliers that let the neighbors know that while they Trick-or-Treat on Halloween, they'll also be collecting used glasses for people in developing countries. On Halloween, after saying "Trick-or-Treat," the kids tell people that they are also there to collect the glasses. Often people don't want to throw their old eyeglasses away but they aren't sure what to do with them or where to take them. This project is great for clubs to do as a community service project too! Check out www.sightnight.org