For more than 80 years, individual Lions clubs and districts in the U.S., Canada and several other countries have collected used eyeglasses for distribution to the needy in developing nations. Since 1996, more than 37 million eyeglasses have been collected, and the number of donations each year continues to grow because of Lions clubs members.

The World Health Organization estimates that the eyesight of one-fourth of the world's population can be improved through the use of corrective lenses. That translates to 500 million people who could easily have improved vision. Recycling a pair of eyeglasses costs as little as US 8 cents; however, the expense for correcting poor vision is astronomical to those in developing countries. In many countries, an eye exam costs as much as one month’s wages. Even if one can afford these exorbitant costs, seeing a doctor is very difficult, for there is often only one doctor for hundreds of thousands of people. Poor eyesight that is left untreated can cause blindness or force adults into unemployment; however, in many developing areas, there is little choice.

Getting Started
Think of places you frequent for ideas of effective locations, as visibility of the program is the key to its success. Many stores will allow donation boxes or permit members to hold donation drives at their entrances. Several clubs have converted old post office drop boxes into eyeglass collection boxes. Libraries, places of worship and schools are another great place for donation box sites. Optometrists or ophthalmologists will often assist by putting collection boxes in their offices so that patients can recycle the old pair as they pick-up their new glasses. Other possible locations include: banks, train stations, drug stores, coffee shops, dry cleaners, restaurants, community centers and video stores.

When you meet with representatives from these businesses and organizations, you will want to discuss the best location for the collection box and set up a regular pick-up and maintenance schedule.

Promoting the program is also important. Consider posting flyers and posters throughout the community, using a community newsletter to promote Recycle for Sight Month and your club at the same time or include a monthly notice of collection sites in the local newspaper.  

Many resources are available to help your club with eyeglass recycling:

• Ready to use press release materials that can be sent to radio stations and television stations can be downloaded online or obtain a copy by calling 630-571-5466 ext. 358 or e-mailing pr@lionsclubs.org. Public relations also offers free public service announcements. 
• A ready-to-use sample news release can be completed and sent to newspapers. Click here to complete the news release.
• Club Supplies has collection boxes, box stickers, banners and the video “New Glasses, New Life” (PR-28V) available for purchase through the Club Supplies catalog or Web site.
• Download a certificate of appreciation.

After collecting the glasses, send them to one of the 13 regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers. Once your club's Recycle For Sight eyeglasses collection effort is complete, take a moment to fill out the online collection totals form.