What Do I Do With My Old Glasses?

Dear America’s Best:

My eyes have changed a few times in the last several years, as has my sense of style. And, so, it seems I have quite the collection of old glasses that I no longer need or use. I hate to just throw them away. Is there something better I can do with them?

Thanks,
Trisha in Alpharetta

Dear Trisha,

Yes! There are several great ways you can repurpose, recycle, or have those old glasses reused! Don’t just throw them away. Consider one of these great options.

Local Donation: Groups like the Lions Club take used eyeglass frames and work with local eye care professionals to make them available to those in need, who can’t afford glasses. Other groups take used glasses and distribute them at retirement centers and nursing homes to elderly folks who can’t afford new frames. Or, you can simply take them to your local Goodwill where they will re-sell the old frames or give away to the local needy. Not sure where they’d best be used? Ask your optometrist at your closest America’s Best where they would recommend making a local donation.

International Donation: Other groups, like VisionAid Overseas, take used eyeglass frames and repurpose them to help solve vision problems in third world countries. An optometrist visits the countries with an assortment of used glasses in tow to distribute to people across the world. How cool would it be to know that your old glasses gave someone in need a chance to see the world more clearly!

Repurpose: Pop the lenses out of the frame and use the glasses as an accessory for kids’ dress up times, future Halloween costumes, or school plays. Remove the temples (earpieces) and take a few old frames and turn them into a cool 3D picture. I’ve also seen old frames turned into cute reading table knick-knacks. There are endless ways you can creatively use those old frames.

Recycle: Depending on the material that your frame is made from, your glasses may be recyclable. Ask your optometrist if your old frames qualify, though I’d recommend first trying to donate them. Your lenses will definitely be recyclable though and I’d recommend popping the lenses out of the frames before you try to repurpose them.

And, don’t forget the cases! Most of these organizations would love to take your old cases too. After all they need some way to safely transport those frames to their new owners.

Check with your local America’s Best retailer for their recommendations, too!