Most glasses wearers will go through a few pairs of specs throughout their lifetime. So, when the time comes to choose new frames, what do you do with the old ones?
Optometry Australia’s Chief Clinical Officer Luke Arundel thinks you may want to hold on to them. He said: “It’s worth considering keeping your most recent old pair of glasses as a spare pair, and putting them somewhere safe in your home or car in case of emergencies. But if the prescription is no longer suitable, it may be time to say goodbye.”
Here’s how to dispose of your glasses when the time comes:
Donate them to Lions Australia
Lions Australia collects old glasses as part of the Lions Recycle for Sight Australia program.
Over the 27 years that the Australian program has operated, more than 7 million pairs of refurbished spectacles have been delivered to adults and children in need in Africa, Europe, Middle East, India, East Asia, and China.
Many local optometrists collect glasses to pass on to Lions Australia. Don’t forget to ask about it at your next appointment, or give a nearby practice a call to see if they’re currently accepting donations. Some aged care facilities and HCF branches will also collect frames (or unused contact lenses) for Lions. Alternatively, you can post your glasses to:
REPLY PAID 3021
Lions Recycle for Sight Australia, PO Box 3021
CLONTARF MDC QLD 4019
No stamps are required to post used glasses, but make sure you use a padded post bag or wrap the glasses in bubble wrap.
Sell them
You’re moving on, but your old frames could be somebody else’s fresh new pair of specs. There is a market for second hand glasses, especially if they’re from a popular designer brand like Chanel or Coach. Somebody may want to repurpose your frames with a new pair of lenses.
Try listing your glasses on eBay to see if you can rustle up a buyer – or a bidding war!
