Old Glasses Give New Life!

Lions help to conserve sight by providing usable eyeglasses to children and adults throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 153 million people have uncorrected refractive errors (near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism). Refractive errors can be easily corrected with eyeglasses, yet millions in undeveloped nations lack access to basic eye care services. Lions have recognized the urgent need for corrective lenses and continue to fight the problem with the Lions Recycle For Sight Program.

Donated eyeglasses can help millions to experience corrected vision for the first time, enabling them to read, attend school, gain employment and take care of their families. It is estimated that Lions clubs collect more than 20 million glasses each year, and eyeglass recycling is one of Lions’ clubs most popular activities. Although the program was officially adopted by the association in 1994, Lions have collected glasses for more than 80 years.

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.

The new Lions Recycle For Sight Information Kit contains everything needed to begin and maintain a successful eyeglass collection campaign in your community. The kit is helpful for novice clubs and clubs that have collected for many years. Purchase the Kit from the Health and Children's Services Department, via the Recycle for Sight Materials Order Form. The kit contains a sample of each of the the following resources:

Club Guide for Collecting Used Eyeglasses (IAD-401) contains suggestions and tips for clubs to maintain a successful community collection with the assistance of local businesses, schools and other community organizations.

Recycle For Sight Community Poster (IAD-402) is an attractive full color poster for public display to promote your collection efforts. Space is available at the bottom of the poster for the club to insert its contact information. .

Recycle for Sight Brochure (IAD-403) is a colorful piece for public distribution that gives a brief overview of the Lions Recycle For Sight Program.

Large and Small Eyeglass Collection Decals (IAD-410A and IAD 410B) can be affixed to custom-made eyeglass collection boxes.

Eyeglass Collection Window Decal (IAD-410C) is a full color static cling (non-adhesive) vinyl that promotes the collection location and can be easily placed and moved on glass surfaces.

Lions Recycle For Sight Club Participation Form (IAD-404) is submitted to LCI to confirm the club's participation in the program, and provides a listing of the club's collection sites.

Lions Recycle For Sight Memorandum of Understanding (IAD-406) recognizes the cooperation and commitment between Lions and the participating organization in support of eyeglass recycling activities.

Lions Recycle For Sight Sample Press Release (IAD-411) promotes your eyeglass recycling efforts.

Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers List (IAD-408) contains contact information for each of the 16 official centers throughout the world.

Lions Recycle For Sight Certificate of Appreciation is a full color, prestigious certificate to recognize Lions, community residents, schools or organizations for their outstanding collection efforts in the community.

Recycle For Sight Materials Order Form is used to purchase the Lions Recycle For Sight Information Kit or quantities of the various kit components. The form also contains a description of additional recycling resources available for purchase:

• Lions Recycle For Sight PowerPoint (CD-ROM) is an excellent presentation that gives and overview of the Recycle For Sight Program and is suitable for Lions and public viewing.
• "New Glasses, New Life" DVD is an outstanding 10 minute film providing an overview of eyeglass collection, processing and distribution of the glasses to needy children and adults. Available from Club Supplies and suitable for Lions and public viewing.
• Eyeglass Collection Boxes are attractive, easy to assemble boxes in Lions blue and gold with official Lions Recycle For Sight logo. Available from Club Supplies. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

Many businesses will allow donation boxes or permit club members to hold 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. Read more about Lions recycling events and suggested recycling activities.

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. 

After collecting the glasses, send them to one of the 16 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.