What Should You Do With Your Old Glasses?

Any eye glasses, no matter how beloved, no matter how dependable, can only last for so long. Sooner or later, whether due to style preferences, wear or damage, or your prescription changing, it will be time to get rid of those old frames and start fresh. But what do you do with those old frames – just throw them in the trash?

There are many reasons why that may not seem like the best option. Perhaps you’ve had these frames for a long time and can’t bear to just toss them aside. Or perhaps you have a sense that those old frames could still benefit someone else. Or maybe it just seems wasteful to simply toss them in the bin. What if the style comes back around in twenty years? Fortunately, you actually have a variety of other options for your old glasses.

Just pop out the lenses and drop them in the recycle bin. Metal and plastic glasses frames can typically be recycled as easily as other recyclable materials.

There are many people in need who could benefit from a pair of glasses, and lots of charities who are able to get them to them. You could see if your local thrift store or Goodwill Center takes glasses. If not, try contacting your eye doctor or a local nursing home.

Contact Visions Aid Overseas, a charity that sends optometrists to developing countries to help people in these companies with much needed eye care. They can always use more glasses and should be more than happy to take your old frames off your hands.

Lions Club International, well-known for their Lions Eyeglass Recycling Program, has entered into an agreement with Wal-Mart, allowing you to bring your glasses directly to select Wal-Marts and Sam’s Club locations. From there, they are shipped to Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers for sorting, cleaning, processing, and sending to various Lions optical missions for distribution to both children and adults at no cost. Why not see if there is a program at a Wal-Mart near you?

If you’re the artistic type, why not integrate your glasses into your next work of art? Old glasses can be part of a sculpture, a mobile, even a sock puppet. If these particular glasses have been a part of your wardrobe for a long time, crafting with them can be a great way to keep them in your life as you recognize their importance to you while moving on to new frames. Alternatively, you could give them to a young person in your life to craft with.

Perhaps there’s someone in your family who has a similar prescription, or you’re getting rid of magnifying reading glasses that anyone can use. See if there’s anyone in your family or neighborhood who can use them before you just throw them away.

Once you’ve gotten rid of those old glasses, you’ll need great new frames to replace them. If you are in the Portland, Oregon area, you’ll find a fantastic selection of contemporary designer frames at Beaumont Vision.

We can provide you with a thorough eye exam from qualified professionals and help you pick out the perfect pair of beautiful frames for your lenses. Come visit us at 4331 NE Fremont St. or call us to schedule an appointment at 503-331-3937 now!

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