Where to donate gently used eyeglasses?

I have half a dozen pairs of progressive eyeglasses that all have an obsolete prescription. Any insights (see what I did there?) re: where can I donate them?


I have the same question.  It appears that the office of New Eyes for the Needy in Millburn is no longer in operation.  Nearest donation place I found is Lions Club on Valley St in South Orange.  Haven't been there yet but maybe someone can add more information.


I've donated eyeglasses through the Maplewood Seniors Club.  This was pre-COVID.  I can try and get details at our meeting tomorrow and report back.


The location list I posted says - "Updated 3/31/2013" at the bottom - so it may be very outdated.


Two summers ago, I came into possession of a shopping bag filled with secondhand eyeglasses still in good condition. I searched high and low, and I never found a recipient. Everyone I reached out to told me there is no longer a market for them. Sad and wasteful, but true, apparently. 


Not so long ago there used to be a drop box at the train station, village side. Is it still there?


Maybe call the Lion's Club Eyeglass Recycling Center (www.NJLERC.org) to for an up-to-date list of drop-off sites?  From their site:

Donate Your Used Eyeglasses

All types of used eyeglasses and sunglasses, prescription and non-prescription, for children and adults are accepted, including exceptionally strong or weak prescriptions. Reading glasses are also useful for those who perform close-up tasks while at work. Sunglasses are needed for people living near the equator, especially those with cataracts.

Among other locations, eyeglasses may be dropped off at any local Walmart stores with Vision Centers (click here for a listing of participating Walmart Vision Centers in the NJ/NY/PA area). They act as collection centers through out the United States. Large collection boxes can be found in the lobby. During the Month of May each year almost all NJ State Departments have collection boxes which can be found either in the lobby or other designated area.

You can also drop of your used eyeglass and hearing aides in collection boxes in your community. Click here for a list of locations. Check the Lions Clubs International Web site at www.lionsclubs.org for more information. In the United States you can also call 1-800-74 SIGHT for the nearest Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center. Glasses can also be mailed directly to: New Jersey Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, PO Box 7263, West Trenton, NJ 08628.

For bulk mailings of glasses, please send eyeglasses via UPS to:

New Jersey Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, Inc.
c/o The Katzenbach School for the Deaf
320 Sullivan Way
West Trenton, NJ 08628

Please contact the center prior to shipping large quantities of glasses (5,000 pair or more).


I think Rotary also collect used glasses, if you have a local branch. (Send them to Africa etc)

Or contact the Fred Hollows organisation online, and see if they can use them. 


The Senior Club gives the eyeglasses collected to Mary Devon O'Brien, who gives them to the Lions Club.  Hope this helps.


Just to let everyone know—There is a Lions eyeglass drop off box at the village side of the Maplewood train station.   It Is and old US mailbox painted orange and yellow and it fills up quickly and I try to check it but rely on your feedback as to when it is full.  The eyeglass cases are not used at all and take up room in the box so if you wish to leave the glasses in the case that’s fine but a brown bag or ziplock works fine also.  I then take them to Mary Devon Obrian who is the chairperson for Lions in charge of the eyeglass recycling program. Thank to all the people who realize that this is a very worthwhile cause.  


Great information.  Will soon drop my stuff there.


I will, too, next time I'm in Maplewood. 

I'd like to find a place here in Jersey City. 

Thanks, all. Seek and ye shall find. 


The_Soulful_Mr_T said:

I will, too, next time I'm in Maplewood. 

I'd like to find a place here in Jersey City. 

Thanks, all. Seek and ye shall find. 

I forgot you are in Jersey City. But if you ever come to maplewood use the drop box at the train station. Or wait until next maplewoodstock when you’re gonna be coming to drop them off. 
I also think Walmart stores that have prescription glasses for sale accept old glasses. Not in JC though. Maybe Kearny?



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