13 Places to Donate Old Eyeglasses in the US (Updated List)

Published October 16, 2025
Do you have an old pair of glasses tucked away in a drawer? Before you toss them, consider this: that spare pair could change someone’s life. For many people, clear vision is a luxury they can’t afford. A simple pair of glasses can unlock a child’s potential in school, allow an adult to work safely, or help a senior maintain their independence.
Donating your gently used eyeglasses is a small act with a big impact. Not only do you give someone the precious gift of sight, but you also make an environmentally friendly choice by keeping plastic and metal out of landfills. It’s a win for people and the planet.
This guide will walk you through trusted places to donate your old glasses, what they accept, and a few quick tips to make sure your contribution counts.
Where to Donate Old Eyeglasses
Dozens of organizations and retailers make it easy to pass on your used eyewear. It’s always a good idea to call your local store or chapter first to confirm they are participating in a collection program. Here are 13 reliable options to get you started.
1. Lions Clubs International
Lions Clubs are well-known for their vision-related service projects. Their eyeglass recycling program is one of the most extensive available.
- What they do: Volunteers collect, clean, and sort donated eyeglasses by prescription. The glasses are then distributed during vision missions and through partnerships worldwide.
- How to donate: You have three easy options. You can drop your glasses in a collection box at a participating Walmart Vision Center, find a local Lions club collection site, or mail them directly to a Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (LERC).
- What they accept: Prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses are all welcome.
2. ReSpectacle
This innovative nonprofit uses technology to connect donors and recipients directly.
- What they do: ReSpectacle catalogs the exact prescription of donated glasses and lists them in an online database. Individuals in need can then search the database to find a pair that matches their prescription.
- How to donate: You can ship your gently used glasses or find a drop-off location on their website.
- What they accept: They primarily focus on prescription eyeglasses in good condition.
3. OneSight (EssilorLuxottica Foundation)
As the foundation of a global eyewear leader, OneSight is committed to ending the world’s vision care crisis through clinics and sustainable solutions.
- What they do: OneSight provides direct eye care and new eyeglasses to underserved communities. Donated glasses are often channeled through their network of partners, like the Lions Clubs.
- How to donate: Look for donation boxes at partner retailers. Since programs can change, check OneSight’s current guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- What they accept: Gently used prescription glasses and sunglasses.
4. VSP Eyes of Hope
VSP Global’s charity initiatives focus on increasing access to eye care and eyewear for those in need, including disaster survivors.
- What they do: They distribute new and gently used glasses through mobile eye clinics and global partnerships.
- How to donate: Check the VSP website for current donation programs and instructions.
- What they accept: New and gently used eyewear.
5. Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation
Based in Georgia, this organization has a massive impact, recycling eyewear for distribution around the globe.
- What they do: The Lighthouse provides vision and hearing services to uninsured Georgians and recycles eyewear for international missions.
- How to donate: You can mail your donations or use any Lions Club collection point.
- What they accept: They accept all types of eyeglasses in any condition, along with hearing aids and cell phones.
6. Goodwill
Known for turning donated goods into job training and community programs, some Goodwill locations also accept eyeglasses.
- What they do: Participating stores collect eyeglasses and pass them on to partner organizations that specialize in vision services.
- How to donate: Policies are location-dependent, so call your local Goodwill store to confirm they accept eyewear before you go.
- What they accept: Clean, usable eyeglasses.
7. Walmart Vision Center
Many Walmart stores make donating incredibly convenient through their partnership with Lions Clubs International.
- What they do: They host official Lions Club collection boxes.
- How to donate: Simply place your old glasses in the blue donation box, which is often located near the Vision Center or the store’s entrance.
- What they accept: Prescription glasses, readers, and sunglasses.
8. LensCrafters
In partnership with OneSight, this major eyewear retailer helps collect glasses to support global vision care efforts.
- What they do: LensCrafters stores often serve as collection points for used eyewear, which supports OneSight’s mission.
- How to donate: Drop off your gently used glasses at a participating store. It’s wise to call ahead to ensure your local store has a collection box.
- What they accept: Prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses in good shape.
9. David Kind
This eyewear brand offers a unique trade-in program that benefits you and someone in need.
- What they do: Customers can trade in old glasses for a discount on a new pair. The donated glasses are then sorted and given to a person who needs them.
- How to donate: Review the trade-in program details on their website for eligibility rules and shipping instructions.
- What they accept: The program typically has conditions related to the brand and original value of the donated frames.
10. The Salvation Army
This well-known organization accepts a wide range of goods to fund its adult rehabilitation centers, and some locations take eyeglasses.
- What they do: Donated items are sold in their thrift stores to fund their programs. Eyewear is often passed to partners or sold at very low cost.
- How to donate: Confirm with your local Salvation Army family store if they accept eyeglass donations. You can use their drop-off bins or schedule a pickup where available.
- What they accept: Clean and undamaged eyeglasses.
11. Costco Optical
If you’re a Costco member, you may be able to donate your old glasses during your next shopping trip.
- What they do: Many Costco warehouses host donation boxes in their optical centers, partnering with charities to distribute the glasses.
- How to donate: Look for a collection box in the Costco Optical department.
- What they accept: Eyeglasses that are in good, reusable condition.
12. VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity)
VOSH is a global organization of eye care professionals who dedicate their time to providing free vision services.
- What they do: Volunteers travel to underserved countries to conduct eye exams and distribute recycled eyeglasses to patients.
- How to donate: Contact your regional VOSH chapter or visit their website for information on how to donate used glasses and other optometric equipment.
- What they accept: Used eyeglasses in good condition.
13. Local Options
Sometimes the best place to donate is right in your own neighborhood. Supporting a local charity ensures your donation helps people in your community.
- What they do: Local optometrists, churches, community health centers, and homeless shelters often run their own eyeglass collection drives.
- How to donate: Ask your eye doctor if they collect glasses or search for nonprofit organizations in your town.
- What they accept: Varies by organization, but generally, they look for usable eyewear.

Quick Tips Before You Donate
To make sure your donation is as helpful as possible, follow these simple steps:
- Only donate usable pairs. Glasses with cracked lenses, broken arms, or missing nose pads create extra work for volunteers. Only donate pairs that are gently used and can be worn again.
- Pack them securely. Eyeglasses can break easily. Place them in a hard case or wrap them in bubble wrap or soft cloth before dropping them off.
- Include the prescription if you have it. While not required, including a note with the prescription information can speed up the sorting process. Don’t worry if you don’t have it—organizations can measure the lenses.
- Ask about tax deductions. If you donate to a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your donation may be tax-deductible. Ask for a receipt and consult a tax professional for guidance.
How They Get a Second Life
Ever wonder what happens after you drop your glasses in a donation box? The journey is quite impressive.
- Collection and Sorting: Volunteers gather glasses from thousands of collection points and sort them by type (prescription, reading, sunglasses).
- Cleaning and Measuring: Each pair is thoroughly cleaned. Trained volunteers then use a device called a lensometer to read the exact prescription of the lenses.
- Packaging and Distribution: The glasses are categorized by prescription and packaged for shipment.
- Matching with a Recipient: During vision clinics or missions, eye care professionals examine patients and match them with a recycled pair of glasses from the inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I donate old eyeglasses near me?
Common options include Lions Clubs International collection sites, participating Walmart Vision Centers, local optometry offices, community clinics, and nonprofits. Check with your nearest Lions club or Walmart Vision Center to confirm they have a collection box.
What kinds of glasses can I donate?
Most programs accept prescription glasses, readers, and sunglasses in good condition. Some accept unopened, unexpired contact lenses. Broken or severely damaged frames are usually not accepted.
Do I need the original prescription to donate?
No. Sorting centers can measure the lens power. If you happen to have the prescription, feel free to include it, but it’s not required.
Are eyeglass donations tax-deductible?
Donations to qualified nonprofits (registered 501(c)(3) organizations) may be tax-deductible. Always ask for a donation receipt and consult your tax advisor for specific guidance.
How should I prepare glasses before donating?
Clean the frames and lenses, and pack them securely in a case or wrapped in soft material to prevent damage. Include any prescription information you have, if possible.
Small Effort, Big Impact
That pair of glasses sitting unused in your home is more than just a piece of plastic and metal. It’s an opportunity. It can help a child read, a grandparent see their family clearly, and a craftsman continue their trade. If you have more than one pair, consider donating them all. What’s an outdated style to you could be a life-changing tool for someone else.
Support Your Local Community
The need for clear vision is everywhere, including right here in our community. At Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen, we provide hot meals and essential support to people experiencing hunger and homelessness in South Florida.
Your support helps us provide the resources people need to take the next step forward. You can help by choosing to donate online or get involved with our mission. Every gift, big or small, helps someone right here at home.
Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our tax deductible non profit organization also accepts and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.

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