 Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Facts
There are 17 official Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers in the world (nine in the U.S., one each in Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Republic of South Africa, and Spain). Lions volunteer their time and services to prepare the eyeglasses for distribution, cleaning and classifying each pair by prescription. Optical missions sponsored by Lions clubs and other groups distribute donated eyeglasses to needy people throughout the world, in accordance with local laws.The Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Program was adopted as an official service activity of Lions Clubs International in October 1994. However, Lions have been recycling eyeglasses for approximately 80 years.
The Global Need for Eyeglasses
The World Health Organization estimates that 153 million people around the world have uncorrected refractive errors (more commonly known as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism). Refractive errors can be easily diagnosed, measured and corrected with eyeglasses, yet millions of people in developing countries do not have access to these basic services. Individuals and families are frequently pushed into a cycle of deepening poverty because of their inability to see well.
The Goal of Lions International Eyeglass Recycling Program
The goal of the program is to meet the demand for quality eyeglasses in developing nations. . All types of eyeglasses and sunglasses, prescription and non-prescription, are acceptable. Children's eyeglasses are especially needed. Reading glasses are also useful because many recipients are in need of visual correction to help them perform close-up tasks.
Outstanding DVD - "New Glasses, New Life"
This 10-minute DVD (PR28DVD) is told from the perspective of a recipient of recycled eyeglasses. All aspects of the Lions Recycle for Sight Program are highlighted. This is an excellent presentation suitable for Lions events and community seminars. The DVD is available in English only, US$$9.95 plus postage and handling, through Club Supplies. Click here to order.
Become Involved with Eyeglass Recycling
To learn about establishing a Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center in your community, Lions can download A Guide for Starting and Operating a Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (LERC).
Lions International Eyeglass Recycling Centers
To see a listing of recycling centers, click here. For more information about a specific center, select the appropriate link below:
Recycle for Sight, Australia, Inc.
Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (CLERC)
Medico Lions Club de France
Centro Italiano Lions Per La Raccolta Degli Occhiali Usati (Italy)
Lions Operation BrightSight (Republic of South Africa)
Spain Eyeglass Recycling Center (Tarragona)
Aurora Borealis Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (Alaska)
Arizona Lions Eyeglass Recycling Terminal, Inc. (A.L.E.R.T.)
Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation of MD-21 (Arizona)
Lions in Sight Foundation of California and Nevada (USA)
Indiana Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (USA)
New Jersey Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, Inc. (USA)
Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation
Texas Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (USA)
Virginia Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (USA)
(Washington, USA) The Northwest Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center
Wisconsin Lions Foundation Eyeglass Recycling Center (USA) |
