Why Donate Your Old Eyeglasses?
Globally, one child in four cannot see well enough to learn to read without eyeglasses.
By age 40, 90% of adults experience a decrease in their ability to read print and need eyeglasses.
Many emerging countries lack the resources to manufacture quality lenses, and the cost of importing eyeglasses is far beyond the means of the average citizen.
Millions fail to reach their economic, educational, and social potential without access to quality eyeglasses.
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.
Unfortunately, for many a pair of glasses is both unaffordable and inaccessible. In developing countries, an eye exam costs as much as one month’s wages, and a single doctor may serve a community of hundreds of thousands of people.
Where Can You Donate Your Old Glasses?
- Used eyeglasses may be sent to the MNLERC, 1201 Oak Pond Dr. Sartell, MN 56377 or dropped at one of the many collection locations in Minnesota.
- Please refer to the Collection Location List or call 1-320-253-1371 for more information.
- For regular updates, visit the Minnesota Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center’s Facebook page.
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…In order to make shipping cost more affordable for all concerned: The following is a list of glasses and glasses related items that can and cannot be recycled.
Usable/Recyclable:
- Glasses that have both lenses intact and the bows are not broken, both plastic and metal frames.
- Children’s glasses.
- Non-prescription sun glasses, including clip-on.
- Readers.
- Broken metal framed glasses.
Not Usable/Recyclable:
- Loose lenses, lenses not in frames.
- Broken plastic framed glasses.
- Contact lenses.
- Cases for eyeglasses.
If you have any doubt about what is recyclable, please forward your items and we will sort them as appropriate.