How Can You Donate Old Glasses? Discover Your 6 Best Options

If you’re ready for new glasses, chances are good that someone out there could benefit from your old pair. According to the World Health Organization, more than two billion people worldwide need corrective lenses but either can’t afford them or don’t have access to them.

So, can you donate old glasses? Yes, definitely! You’ll feel good about helping a visually impaired person in need by donating your old eyeglasses.

Which Organizations Accept Old Glasses for Donation?

Wondering where you can donate your old glasses? Dropping them off at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army isn’t your only option. Below, you’ll learn about six organizations that accept eyeglass donations (with one exception) and repurpose them for a good cause.

Lions Club International

Lions Club International is a global network of volunteers dedicated to giving back to their local communities. It runs Lions KidSight USA, a program that ensures kids get regular vision screenings, corrective lenses, and follow-up eye care when needed.

The organization has eyeglass donation centers in several states, including Arizona, Texas, Oregon, and New Jersey. Some local Lions Club chapters and Walmart Vision Centers accept glasses donations, too.

If you cannot visit in person, you may mail your glasses to your nearest Lions Club Eyeglass Recycling Center.

OneSight

OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation funds charitable clinics that provide free eye exams and glasses to those in need. It also runs Donate for Good, a nationwide program that collects gently used eyeglasses at vision centers. When you donate your glasses to OneSight, it forwards them to local Lions Club International chapters.

OneSight doesn’t provide a list of locations where you can drop off your glasses at this time. You may be able to find donation boxes at vision clinics such as LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, and Sears Optical.

ReSpectacle

ReSpectacle is a nonprofit organization that donates used glasses to underserved communities worldwide. The organization does not accept glasses with broken frames, loose lenses, missing nose pads, or deep scratches. Neither does it accept glasses with ground-in prisms.

You can mail your old glasses to the following address:

529 2nd Street, Suite 100
Hudson, WI 54016

After you ship your glasses, ReSpectacle allows you to create and print a donation receipt on its website.

The Lighthouse

The Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation is one of the largest eyeglass recycling centers in the country. Located in Chamblee, GA, this volunteer-led organization collects and repurposes glasses in partnership with Lions Clubs throughout the state.

Unlike many other organizations, this one takes broken glasses. They’ll also accept loose lenses, sunglasses, hearing aids, and cell phones.

You can ship your old glasses to this address:

5582 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30341
ATTN: Recycle Center

New Eyes for the Needy

Since 1932, New Eyes for the Needy has provided glasses to more than 10 million people worldwide. Every year, they buy thousands of pairs of glasses for those in need.

Please note that New Eyes for the Needy no longer accepts used glasses or contact lens donations. However, we include it in this list because of the organization’s important work. If you have new glasses to give away, New Eyes for the Needy may take them at its main office in New Jersey. The organization also accepts used jewelry donations.

You may also donate money to New Eyes for the Needy to help the organization purchase glasses for others.

Easy Donation Pickup

Easy Donation Pickup gladly accepts gently used eyeglasses. All donations benefit veterans; to date, we’ve helped more than 450,000 veterans nationwide.

We also accept clothing, jewelry, toys, books, and pretty much anything else that one person can easily carry. If you’re donating glasses, why not clean your closet and give your old stuff to someone in need?

The best part is that we come to you! We offer free donation pickup in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Are There Any Specific Requirements for Donating Old Glasses?

There are a few requirements for donating your old glasses. Before you donate, ensure your glasses aren’t dirty, scratched, or broken. If they’re looking a bit worse for wear, cleaning them before donating is a good idea.

Can you donate old glasses anywhere? A few organizations only accept brand-new glasses. Before you ship yours off, check the organization’s website to ensure they take old glasses.

How To Prepare Your Old Glasses for Donation

When you’re ready to donate your old glasses, you can’t simply toss them in a box and mail them off or drop them into the nearest donation bin. First, take the time to ensure your glasses are in good shape. The organization you’re donating to will thank you!

Inspect the Glasses

First, inspect the glasses carefully. Check the lenses for scratches, and look for bent frames and missing eyeglass screws. If your glasses are badly damaged, most organizations won’t be able to accept them.

If the glasses only have a few minor flaws, it’s possible to fix them yourself.

Cleaning and Removing Personal Information

After years of use, your glasses might be oily or dirty. To clean them, wash your hands first. That prevents oils on your fingers from sticking to the lenses.

Next, rinse the glasses under lukewarm water. Dab a drop of lotion-free dishwashing liquid or eyeglass cleaning solution on a cloth, then rub it around the lenses, nose pad, and arms. Rinse the glasses and dry them with a lint-free cloth.

If your glasses have personal information on them, such as your name, remove them before donating them. You can remove ink or markers with rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, or nail polish remover.

Package the Glasses

Glasses are pretty fragile, so you’ll need to protect them well to ensure they survive the trip through the mail. A padded envelope will work just fine. You can also nestle the glasses between layers of foam packing peanuts in a small box.

If you use a box, be sure to tape it securely shut. Use packing tape, not Scotch tape, to ensure the box doesn’t come open in transit.

Can You Claim a Tax Deduction for Donating Old Glasses?

It’s possible to score a tax deduction for donating your old lenses, but the catch is that you can only do so by donating them to a qualified charity. According to the IRS, a qualified charity is one that primarily operates for charitable, religious, scientific, educational, or literary purposes.

To deduct your donation, you’ll need to file Form 1040 and itemize your deductions on Schedule A. You’ll also need to figure out the fair market value of your glasses. The fair market value is the price a buyer would be willing to pay for the glasses. The organization you’re donating to may be able to give you a better idea of its fair market value.

Keep your donation receipt, too, when the organization gives you one. If the fair market value of your donation is above $250, you’ll need a written acknowledgment that includes the value of your glasses, a description of the donation, and whether you received anything in return for it.

What Are the Alternative Solutions for Glasses That Are Unsuitable for Donation?

Not all glasses are suitable for donation. If no organization will accept your glasses, here’s what to do with them:

Recycling and Repurposing

If your glasses are too beaten up or broken to donate, you may be able to recycle them if your community has a recycling program. The plastic in your frames can be recycled and turned into other valuable things. It’s an eco-friendly way to keep glasses out of landfills.

If you’re creative, you can also use your glasses for arts and crafts. Try making a picture frame, jewelry, or animal art out of your old frames. Have kids? They’d love to lend a hand with your project!

Donate Your Old Glasses Today

Now that you know the answer to “Can you donate old glasses?” Why not give your used frames to someone in need? If you have an old pair of glasses that are collecting dust, Easy Donation Pickup will come to your home to collect them for you.

Just pack your glasses in boxes or bags and leave them outside your front door. We make pickups even when you’re not home. It’s the most convenient way to gift your old glasses to the vision-impaired.

To schedule a pickup, visit us online or call (855) 628-8387 today.