Recycle and Donate Contact Lenses

Do you have old glasses or contact lenses you no longer use? Perhaps you've recently updated your prescription or undergone successful LASIK surgery, leaving you with extra supplies. Instead of letting them go to waste, consider donating your unused contact lenses or glasses. It's an excellent way to promote sustainability and support responsible recycling.

Why Donate Contact Lenses?

Donating contact lenses is a responsible way to give new life to unused items. Instead of letting them expire or adding to landfill waste, recycle your unused, unexpired and unopened contact lenses by donating them to places like Goodwill or the nonprofit organization DonateContacts. While many Goodwill facilities accept unused contact lenses and used glasses, be sure to call the location nearest to you to double-check.

Donating contact lenses not only helps address vision needs in underserved communities but also provides access to eyewear for individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Before donating, be sure to check the expiration date on your lenses, as some organizations may have specific policies regarding the acceptance of lenses nearing their expiration date. Always confirm the organization’s guidelines to ensure your donation meets their requirements.

Lenses and Eyewear Supplies You Can Donate

• Eyeglasses (preferably in cases)
• Sunglasses
• Eyeglass Cases
• Contact Lenses
• Contact Cases
• Contact Lens Cleaning Solution

How To Donate Contact Lenses and Recycled Eyeglasses

1. Call the organization you'd like to donate contact lenses and/or glasses to and ask if they accept either or both.
2. Ensure unused contacts meet acceptance requirements in terms of expiration dates.
3. Carefully package unused, unexpired lenses or glasses to protect them from damage.
4. Mail or ship glasses and lenses to the most appropriate location.
5. Donating contact lenses is a simple yet meaningful way to give back and reduce waste. By taking the time to donate contact lenses or glasses no longer in use, you're helping others improve their vision and enhance their quality of life.