The Need for Glasses
153 Million Reasons Lions Recycle for Sight
According to The World Health Organization, 153 million people have uncorrected refractive errors (near-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism).Most of these vision impairments are quickly diagnosed and easy to treat with corrective lenses.
Still, millions of people in developing nations are pushed deeper into poverty simply because they don't have corrective eyeglasses.They can't learn, because reading is difficult.They can't work to the best of their ability, because they can't see clearly.
For children, clear vision means a better education, healthier development and a better quality of life.For adults, it means greater employment opportunity and economic strength. For seniors it means less dependence on others.
Lions clubs around the world collect millions of eyeglasses each year to address the need for glasses, making eyeglass recycling one of our most popular and rewarding activities.
Lions clubs send collected eyeglasses to one of our 17 official Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centres in the world. The Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre is in Calgary, Alberta.
- At each of these centres Lions volunteer their time and services to prepare eyeglasses for distribution, cleaning and classifying each pair by prescription.
- Optical missions sponsored by Lions clubs and other groups distribute the donated eyeglasses to needy people throughout the world, in accordance with local laws.
Canadian Recycle for Sight project guide
Canadian Recycle for Sight box location reporting template
Types of Eyeglasses we collect
We collect new and used reading, single vision, bifocal, children, safety, and both prescription and non-prescription Sunglasses (clip-ons and glasses). Glasses may consist of glasses in frames, frames only, or uncut lenses.
Where can I drop off used Eyeglasses
The Lions Clubs of Canada have many collection points located across Canada. You can find one on our map or through our searchable list.
Please help us give the gift of Sight – Recycle for Sight
If you wish more information on this program or wish to host a collection box, please contact , District A-711 Lions Clubs Recycle for Sight Chairperson.