Don’t Throw Away Your Old Glasses, Repurpose Them!

July 2, 2019 Health

Summary: There are numerous ways to repurpose your old glasses. Anything from recycling to being a good Samaritan and offering people a second chance to see clearly.

If you have been wearing eyeglasses for most of your life, you likely have a few pairs of glasses lying around in your home. Now, it is entirely possible for your optometrist to put in new lenses that match your current prescription but if you only have the need for one frame, you can repurpose them instead. Here are some ways you can go about doing this.

If you now have switched over to contact lenses from Lens.com or have another pair of eyeglasses that you prefer, you can seek out new options.

Be a Good Samaritan

If your glasses are still in optimal condition and aren’t completely meant for the trash bin, you should consider donating them. Some organizations will take your old glasses and repurpose them to those who need vision correction tools but don’t have the money to afford them. Rather than spending money to purchase new glasses, someone who receives your old pair could benefit from a new pair of glasses without spending money that they would normally spend on food or their children.

Even if you cannot find a local organization that will take your old pair, there are plenty of charities or groups that you can get into contact with online. This is a selfless way to help those that suffer from poor vision and can be a difference-maker for many people. Be sure that you do not confuse this with donating your Air Optix Aqua Multifocal contact lenses, as these may not be accepted due to their prescription and other health hazards.

Choosing to Recycle

Another way to repurpose your old frames is to simply recycle them. A majority of eyeglasses are designed from metal or plastic. These materials can be easily broken down and reused to make new frames or other useful objects from the scraps. If are not sure whether or not your frames can be recycled, check for signs or directions on whether they are meant for recycling purposes.