Used eyeglasses needed by Lions Clubs

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By Meredith Moss, Staff Writer 12:15 PM Saturday, January 28, 2012

You can give a gift of vision by donating used eyeglasses to Lions Clubs International. You’ve probably seen the collection boxes at various locations throughout the Miami Valley.

In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the organization’s national convention at Cedar Point, Ohio, challenging members to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.”

“Since that time, Lions have worked to eradicate blindness and prevent vision loss through a wide range of programs,” says Melitta Cutright, public relations manager for the international organization. There are now clubs in 206 countries and geographic areas and the eyeglass project has given millions of glasses to those who can use them most.

“Your pair of glasses can make a big difference in someone’s life,” Cutright says. “The donated eyeglasses are cleaned, sorted by strength, packaged and distributed to those in need, mostly in developing countries, but also in America.”

According to Todd W. Trautwein, president of the Downtown Dayton Lion’s Club, donated glasses from our area are taken to The Ohio State University School of Optometry where students determine the correct prescription of each pair. Last year, the Dayton group delivered between 7,000 to 10,000 glasses to Columbus.

How many of us have an old pair of eye glasses sitting in a dresser drawer or glove compartment that we’re no longer using? The Lions will accept prescription glasses as well as readers. Children’s glasses are especially in demand.

The group also wants your sunglasses, and those don’t need to be prescription glasses. Cutright says people living near the equator or in heavy sunlight are more likely to get cataracts.

When in doubt about whether your glasses can be recycled, she adds, donate them.

Look for drop-off boxes at your optometrist’s office, or at locations such as libraries, schools, community centers, or places of worship.

All LensCrafter stores throughout the United States have the collection boxes, so do corporate-owned Pearle Vision Centers and many of their franchise operations as well. You’ll find a box in the lobby of the Masonic Temple across from the Dayton Art Institute and we spotted one at the Vandalia Recreation Center.

You can also donate by mail. Send glasses to:

Lions Clubs International Headquarters

Attention: Receiving Department

300 W. 22nd Street

Oak Brook, Ill. 60523, USA

If you have questions about the Lions project, call Todd Trautwein at (937) 478-6637.

If you know of a non-profit organization that would like to publish a wish list, send information to Meredith Moss: MMoss@coxohio.com Be sure to include a daytime phone number. Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or MMoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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