Eyeglass recycling has been a signature project for Lions Clubs across the country for over 70 years. The Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation supports the Lions in this cause by serving as a collection and distribution center for recycled eyeglasses. The Foundation receives over 80,000 pairs of eyeglasses annually.
Glasses are brought to the Foundation through several channels, one pair, a box or sometimes an entire truck full. Lion volunteers help sort the glasses by type. the glasses are then given to philanthropic groups, that take the glasses on to the people who need them.
After they are sorted and cleaned, humanitarian groups or individuals will transport the glasses to developing countries for distribution. More than 5 hundred million people in developing countries need eyeglasses but are unable to afford them. The Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation has sent more than 500,000 pairs of glasses to developing countries from Russia to the Amazon.
Lions throughout the country are dedicated to improving eyesight around the world. Contact you local Lions Club or the Foundation to contribute your old glasses to the Eyeglass Recycling program. Glasses of all types are welcome, including sunglasses, which are sent to countries on the Equator to protect against cataracts caused by sun damage.
