Eyeglass Recycling

Old Glasses Give New Life

Eyeglass recycling is one of the Lions' most popular activities. Although the program was officially adopted by the association in 1994, Lions have been collecting glasses for more than 80 years.

Refractive errors can be easily corrected with eyeglasses, yet millions in developing nations lack access to basic eye care services.  Lions have recognized the urgent need for corrective lenses and continue to lend their support to the Lions Recycle for Sight Program.

Lions Recycle for Sight

Starting an eyeglass collection in your community can be an easy and rewarding activity that will raise your club's visibility and provide your fellow Lions with a great deal of satisfaction in serving others.

• Many businesses will allow donation boxes or permit club members to hold eyeglass donation drives at their entrances. Schools, libraries, places of worship and city administrative centers are also suggested drop-off points. Optometrists or ophthalmologists are also likely to assist your recycling efforts by placing collection boxes in their offices.

• A number of ready to use eyeglass recycling PR materials that can be sent to radio stations and television stations are available to promote your eyeglass collection. 

• After collecting the glasses, send them to one of the 17 regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers.

• Once your club's "Recycle For Sight" eyeglasses collection effort is complete, take a moment to fill out the Recycle for Sight Collection Totals Form.

Lions Club Collection Locations Needed

If you would like to include a listing of your eyeglass collection locations on your club's page in the Club Locator, please complete the Lions Recycle For Sight Club Participation Form.

Lions and Walmart: USA Eyeglass Collection

Lions Clubs International is pleased to announce that it has entered into a collaborative agreement with Walmart to collect used eyeglasses from the public at Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs with vision centers throughout the United States. Please visit the Promote Eyeglass Collection Locations page for more information.

For More Information

To learn more about Lions eyeglass recycling programs, please contact us.