Old Glasses Give New Life!
Lions help to conserve sight by providing usable eyeglasses to children and adults throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 153 million people have uncorrected refractive errors (near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism). Refractive errors can be easily corrected with eyeglasses, yet millions in undeveloped nations lack access to basic eye care services. Lions have recognized the urgent need for corrective lenses and continue to fight the problem with the Lions Recycle For Sight Program.

Donated eyeglasses can help millions to experience corrected vision for the first time, enabling them to read, attend school, gain employment and take care of their families. It is estimated that Lions clubs collect more than 20 million glasses each year, and eyeglass recycling is one of Lions’ clubs most popular activities. Although the program was officially adopted by the association in 1994, Lions have collected glasses
for more than 80 years.

Starting an eyeglass collection in your community can be an easy and rewarding activity that will raise your club’s visibility and provide your
fellow Lions with a great deal of satisfaction in serving others

Many businesses will allow donation boxes or permit club members to hold donation drives at their entrances. Schools, libraries, places of worship and city administrative centers are also suggested drop-off points. Optometrists or ophthalmologists are also likely to assist your recycling efforts by placing collection boxes in their offices.

Eyeglass Recycling Centers

Minot, ND
Terry Narum
5101 14th St. WE, Suite 14
Minot, ND 58701
701-838-7387 (H)
1801 S Broadway
Minot, ND 58701
701-857-6018 (w)


Wisconsin Lions Foundation Eyeglass Recycling Center
3834 County Road A
Rosholt, WI 54473-9355
Contact: PDG Sharon Cherek, Manager
Telephone: (715) 677-4969
Toll-free (Wisconsin only): (877) 463-6953
Fax: (715) 677-4527
E-mail: scherek@wlf.info
Number of eyeglasses collected in 2004-05: 312,570
Number of eyeglasses distributed in 2004-05: 80,700
The Wisconsin Lions became a part of the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center program in 1994.  However, they have been collecting used eyeglasses for over 30 years.  The center utilizes a local correctional system as a source for processing collected eyeglasses.  Having established a permanent clinic in Mexico, representatives from the center make annual mission trips there, as well as to Jamaica.
The Wisconsin Lions Foundation Eyeglass Recycling Center generally furnishes eyeglasses for Lions, as well as other organizations such as: Feed the Children and VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity).