Instead of letting them gather dust, consider donating them to a cause that changes lives.
One such cause is the Lions Club’s Recycle for Sight initiative.
This initiative, run by Lions Australia, and operated locally by the Benalla Lions Club, supports humanitarian organisations that deliver much-needed eyewear to communities in developing countries.
A Benalla Lions spokesperson said these groups either travelled directly to deliver aid or sent large shipments of supplies overseas.
“Among the dedicated volunteers is local Lion Garry Clues, who has helped send more than 6000 pairs of glasses from Benalla alone,” the spokesperson said.
“You can help by dropping off your unwanted glasses at Specsavers on Bridge St East.
“Garry collects the donated glasses from there, which are then sent for processing.”
Before donating, please remove glasses from their cases and wrap them in a padded bag or bubble wrap.
It’s important not to send broken glasses or non-prescription sunglasses, as these cannot be used.
Why not the cases?
When glasses arrive at the recycling facility, they are first graded using lensometer machines to determine their prescription.
Each pair is then labelled and sealed in a compact clear bag, which takes up only a quarter of the space of a traditional spectacle case.
This efficient packaging makes distribution faster and more cost-effective.
Since its inception over 26 years ago, Lions Recycle for Sight has delivered more than seven million pairs of refurbished, high-quality glasses to people in need across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, east and south-east Asia, the Pacific Islands and beyond.
By donating your old glasses, you’re giving someone the gift of better sight — and a better life.
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