Lions Clubs International sponsor a worldwide collection and distribution of used spectacles to third world countries where the recipients are not interested in the fashion statement of the frames, but in the lenses to let them have sight.
The World Health Organization estimate that more than 150 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.
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.
We the Lions of District 133 Ireland collect and recycle tens of thousands of spectacles each year for distribution to the Third World. The lenses are most important and if the frames are intact that is an added bonus. Spectacle cases in good condition are very welcome.
Spectacles collected by the Lions Clubs of District 133 Ireland are transported to Medico Lions Clubs de France in Le Havre for sorting and grading before shipping to third world countries.
If you have some unwanted old spectacles please send an email to spectacles@lionsclubs.ie giving your name and where you live in Ireland and we will hopefully put you in touch with a Lions Club near to you. If you live in Dublin or Cork cities please state what area you live in as we have several clubs in both.
The Lions Club will then pack the spectacles into boxes and label appropriately for shipping. The boxes are then shipped to France by DPD couriers, free of charge.
Were is my nearest drop off point ?
Click on the button below for the latest list of Spectacle Recycling Locations.