How to Donate Frames for Glasses

Those who wear glasses are likely to accumulate a collection of outdated frames over time. Styles and prescriptions may change, contact lenses might replace glasses, or lenses might get broken. Whatever the case, and whether you have one pair or 20 that you no longer use, consider the donation of your old frames. Charity groups and other organizations can put them to good use around the world, helping many people see clearly for the first time. You will get a tax deduction, too.

Things You'll Need

• Old glasses (prescription, sunglasses or frames only)

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Instructions

Ways to donate prescription glasses or sunglasses

• 1

  An easy way to donate your prescription glasses or sunglasses is to find a local LensCrafters, Pearle Vision or Goodwill store. These retailers serve as collection sites for the eyeglass donation program of the Lion's Club, which serves third-world countries. Sunglass Hut also collects and recycles glasses through its charitable OneSight program.

• 2

  You also can mail your old glasses to New Eyes for the Needy, a non-profit organization that recycles glasses and gives them to those in need. The mailing address is:

  New Eyes for the Needy
  549 Millburn Avenue
  P.O. Box 332
  Short Hills, NJ 07078

  A padded envelope or bubble wrap will help protect the glasses in transit. New Eyes for the Needy requests that you include your return address so that it can send you a receipt.

• 3

  If you wish to donate your glasses to a religiously affiliated organization, Crosslink International (in conjunction with Medical Ministry International) accepts glasses at this address:

  Crosslink International / Memphis
  C/O David Lewis
  200 East Parkway North (in the First Baptist Church)
  Memphis, TN 38112

  The organization uses the glasses in clinics and on humanitarian trips around the world.

• 4

  Another option is to check with your optometrist, or others in your area, to learn if he or she collects used glasses for donation purposes.