CHANGE A LIFE…One Pair of Glasses at a Time
In just about any dresser drawer, one can find a pair of eyeglasses that are no longer being used. That same pair of eyeglasses can change another person's life.
Lions Recycle for Sight
Throughout the year, Lions and other volunteers collect used eyeglasses and deliver them to regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers (LERCs). LERC volunteers clean, sort by prescription strength and package the glasses. Most of the recycled glasses are distributed to people in need in developing countries where they will have the greatest impact.
How You Can Help
If you have eyeglasses you no longer need, you can donate them now. Newport Lions accept prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses and plastic and metal frames. Children's glasses are especially needed. Please see donation locations listed below.
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 glasses. They can't learn, because reading is difficult. They can't work to the best of their ability, because they can't see clearly.
It costs Lions less than US$0.08 to provide a pair of recycled eyeglasses and change someone's life.
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.
Newport Lions Club Eyeglass Recycling Drop Off Locations
Eye Health Vision Center (73 Valley Rd., Middletown)
Eye Care for RI (Drs Collins & Kelley) (939 West Main Rd., Middletown)
Specs Eyecare (70 Corporate Place, Middletown)
Vision Works (99 East Main Rd., Middletown)
Newport Public Library (rear lobby-Spring Street, Newport)
Elks Meeting House (Bellevue Ave, Newport)
Naval Hospital @Eye Clinic (1st & 2nd Floor-3rd Street, Newport)
Thompson Middle School (55 Broadway, Newport)
Rogers High School (15 Wickham Rd., Newport)
Pell School (Dexter St., Newport)
