Why Recycle Glasses?
An estimated 120 million people are visually impaired because of uncorrected refractive errors (far and near sightedness). Almost all cases can be corrected and normal vision can be restored with eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.
The lack of eyeglasses denies children and adults opportunities for education, employment and a better quality of life.
The Journey of Recycled Glasses
- Lions and Leos collect used eyeglasses at various community locations.
- The glasses are shipped to the nearest Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center where trained volunteers sort, clean and determine the prescription strengths of the glasses.
- Volunteers at the recycling center carefully package the prepared glasses and store them until they are required for eyeglass dispensing missions. Glasses that are not suitable for reuse are recycled for scrap, with the earnings benefiting local Lions and Leos projects.
- At the mission site, eye care professionals and trained Lion and Leo volunteers perform vision screenings and dispense the appropriate recycled glasses, free of charge, to children and adults in need.
Donating Your Spectacles
Bridgend Lions are actively involved in the collection of used spectacles. We typically send over 3,000 pairs of spectacles for recycling each year.
Donations of spectacles can be made at the following locations:
The Optic Shop, 12 Nolton Street, Bridgend, CF31 1DU
RSPCA Charity Shop, 22 Nolton Street, Bridgend, CF31 1DU
Bridgend Library, Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 4AH
Sandra’s Jewellers, Stall 28A Bridgend Market, Bridgend, CF31 1DL
Parish & Green Opticians, 1 Hilda House, The Square, Pencoed, CF35 5NP
or wherever you see our collection bins.
Please do not include cases (unless in very good condition) or loose lenses which have already been shaped to fit frames.
