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Lions International collects used eyeglasses nation wide!
Used eyeglasses that are collected by Lions and other volunteers are recycled
at one of ten Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers throughout the world. The used eyeglasses
are cleaned, repaired and classified by prescription. The eyeglasses are then distributed
to those in need by Lion volunteers and other organizations hosting optical missions in
developing countries. See what happens to them after we collection them under "Where they go!".
Individuals may donate their used eyeglasses year-round to their local Lions
club via collection boxes located at various community offices and businesses, offices of
members of the American Optometric Association, Canadian Association of Optometrists,
Goodwill Industries stores and LensCrafters stores.
Kent Lions collects used eyeglasses locally!
The Kent Lions collects between 7,000 & 10,000 used eyeglasses
annually. We ship them to one of the Lions USA distribution warehouses, where they
are sorted and then distributed around the world.
We collect:
- Used prescription glasses
- Used reading glasses
- Used sunglasses
- Used hearing aids
Where the Kent Lions has collection boxes!
If you have used eyeglasses that you no longer need, you
can drop them off (in specially marked boxes) at the following locations and the Kent
Lions Club will pick them up:
In Kent:
- Kent Senior Activity Center
600 E. Smith St.
253-856-5150
Kosnoski Associates Optical
10002 SE. 240 St.
253-852-2020
Kent United Methodist Church
10010 SE. 248 St.
253-852-3900
Meridian Eye Clinic
24020 132 Ave. SE.
253-631-4515
Kent Library
212 2 Ave. N.
253-859-3330
I Care Optical
10024 SE. 240 St. # 220
253-852-5440
Kent Police Station
400 W. Gowe
253-856-5555
East Hill Multi-Care Clinic
13210 SE. 240 St. C-2
253-631-1530
East Hill Optometry
11120 Kent Kangley Rd.
253-859-0942
Sears Optical
Canyon Ridge Plaza
26243 104 Ave. SE.
253-520-0390
Kent Valley Optical
306 W. Meeker St.
253-852-7444
Eyes Rite
524 W. Meeker St.
253-854-2028
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At the Kent Farmers Market
Corner of 2nd and Smith St
Each Saturday from June until September
In Renton:
Wal-mart Vision Center
743 Rainer Ave. S.
425-227-9270
International Optical
17800 Talbot Rd. S.
425-255-1056
Eye 2 Eye Optical
17916 Talbot Rd. S.
425-277-6595
Fred Meyer Vista
Optical
17801 108 SE. Benson
425-271-9211
King of Kings Lutheran Church
18207 108 Ave. SE.
425-226-1480
In Tukwila:
In Federal Way:
Northwest Vision Center
33919 9 Ave. S.
#101B
253-661-6005
Steel Lake Presbyterian Church
1829 S. 308 St.
Federal Way Costco Optical
35100 Enchanted Parkway
253-874-4965
In Midway:
In Seatac:
Questions and answers:
How can individuals participate?
To donate eyeglasses, call (800)74-SIGHT for the nearest Lions Eyeglass Recycling
Center or drop off the eyeglasses at a local Lions club or LensCrafters store. See
our list above.
What types of eyeglasses are collected?
All types of eyeglasses for children and adults are accepted, including
exceptionally strong or weak prescriptions. Reading eyeglasses are also useful for those
who perform close-up tasks while at work. Sunglasses are given to people living near the
equator, especially those with cataracts.
Are empty frames or independent lenses collected?
Only intact eyeglasses and sunglasses in relatively good condition are accepted.
Do the eyeglasses need to be labeled?
Names or prescriptions on the eyeglasses are not needed.
What happens to the donated eyeglasses?
The eyeglasses are shipped to a Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center where they will be
cleaned, categorized by prescription and prepared for distribution in developing nations.
How do the eyeglasses reach those who are need?
Lions clubs travel to developing countries such as Costa Rica, Guatemala,
Indonesia and Zimbabwe to conduct eye exams and dispense the eyeglasses free of charge to
children and adults with impaired vision.
Why are the eyeglasses distributed only to developing nations?
Legal constraints in the United States make dispensing used prescription devices
prohibitive.
Why is it so difficult to obtain eyeglasses in developing nations?
Healthcare, including proper eye care, is difficult to get. In most developing
nations, an eye exam costs as much as one month's wages, and a single doctor may serve a
community of hundreds of thousands of people.
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