You’ve made the decision to have your vision corrected with LASIK! You’ve done your homework, gone through a thorough evaluation and confirmed you’re a great candidate and made your appointment for surgery. But, as you make your plans for life after glasses, take a moment to think about how you can pay the benefit of better vision forward. Think about what you are going to do with your glasses after you don’t need them anymore.
Did you know that millions of people around the world have vision problems and limited access to care, not to mention prescription glasses? Your used glasses can mean a big difference to someone struggling with every day, simple activities such as reading, cooking or traveling to work simply because they can’t see well. It’s amazing to think that something you won’t need anymore can make a big difference to someone else, helping them lead an easier, more productive life.
Improving people’s lives with better vision is something we do at Durrie Vision every day. Trust us, it is a great feeling. For many years now, Durrie Vision has worked with Lions Club International to take glasses donated by our patients and make use of them for others. In addition to collecting the donations, Lions Club International cleans and sorts donated eyeglasses by prescription to give to those with vision problems in low- and middle-income communities.
You may not know there are several national non-profits with vision care programs that take old glasses and make them available to people in need here in the U.S., as well as abroad. Some even take old sunglasses, which offer important protection from sun damage. Other organizations to consider donating your prescription glasses to include:
New Eyes for the Needy – You may have heard about them through your optometrist, as they have collected and distributed used eye glasses to 8 million people in the United States and in developing countries worldwide.
One Sight – This is one of the largest vision charities in the world and they have a big goal: to provide vision care access to 20 million people by 2020. One Sight hosts regional drop-off events at locations all over the country.
LASIK can help you improve your quality of life with better vision, and you can do the same for someone else with your old glasses. Whatever you decide to do, your used glasses will get great mileage long after you’re free of them.