Donate Old Glasses

If you have old eyeglasses lying around, consider donating them instead of letting them collect dust or throwing them away. Millions of people around the world struggle with vision problems but cannot afford proper eyewear. By donating your old glasses, you can help improve someone’s quality of life. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to donate your eyeglasses responsibly.

1. Check If Your Glasses Are in Good Condition

Before donating, examine your old glasses to ensure they are still usable. Most organizations accept prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses. However, broken or heavily scratched lenses may not be suitable for donation. If your glasses are slightly bent but not broken, they may still be accepted since some programs have professionals who can adjust or repair them.

2. Find a Local Drop-Off Location

Several organizations and businesses collect old eyeglasses and distribute them to people in need. Some of the most common drop-off locations include:

• Optical Stores & Eye Clinics – Many major optical retailers, such as LensCrafters and Pearle Vision, have collection boxes in their stores.
• Lions Clubs International – This global organization runs the Lions Recycle for Sight program, which collects and redistributes eyeglasses to those in need. Many Lions Clubs have drop-off locations in community centers, libraries, and optometry offices.
• Nonprofits & Charities – Organizations like the OneSight Foundation and New Eyes for the Needy accept glasses donations and distribute them worldwide.
• Religious & Community Centers – Some churches, synagogues, and community groups participate in donation programs and may accept old eyeglasses.
• Eyeglasses.com:  You can ship your glasses to us, and we will donate them for you.

3. Mail Your Glasses

If you don’t have a drop-off location nearby, you can mail your old glasses to charities that accept shipped donations. For example:

• New Eyes for the Needy – This organization provides prescription glasses to low-income individuals in the U.S. and sends used glasses abroad. They accept donations by mail.
• Lions Clubs International Eyeglass Recycling Centers (LERCs) – Various LERCs accept mailed donations, and you can find the closest one through their website.
• Eyeglasses.com:  You can ship your glasses to us, and we will donate them for you.

4. Consider Recycling Broken Glasses

If your eyeglasses are too damaged for reuse, recycling is the best option. Some eyewear manufacturers and recycling programs accept broken glasses to repurpose materials. For example, organizations like TerraCycle work with companies to recycle eyewear responsibly. Additionally, some local recycling centers may accept old glasses, particularly metal frames.

5. Spread the Word

Encourage others to donate their old glasses by sharing information with friends, family, and coworkers. You can also organize a donation drive at your workplace, school, or community center to collect multiple pairs and send them to a charity together.

6. How to Mail Your Glasses To Eyeglasses.com

You can mail your glasses to Eyeglasses.com at the address below.  Be sure to clearly mark them as DONATION GLASSES.  Unmarked glasses could be thrown away.

Eyeglasses.com Glasses Donation
191 Main Street
Westport, CT  06880

Conclusion

Donating your old eyeglasses is a simple yet meaningful way to help others. Whether you drop them off at an optical store, mail them to a charity, or recycle broken pairs, your contribution can change someone’s life by providing the gift of sight. Take a moment to find a donation program near you and give your old glasses a new purpose today!