Lions Serve

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 150 million people suffer from blurred vision due to uncorrected refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. The inability to see clearly can prevent children from learning in school, adults from finding work or staying employed, and older adults from living independently. Often, a simple pair of eyeglasses can bring the world into focus, but a lack of access to basic care prevents many people in developing nations from getting the treatment they need. Cost is also an issue — in a developing country a pair of glasses may cost as much as a month’s wages.

Through the Recycle for Sight program, Lions collect new and gently used eyeglasses and sunglasses to bring clear vision to millions, one pair of glasses at a time. Collection bins are situated throughout Southport, Oak Island, and surrounding areas. Recycled glasses are cleaned and then shipped to the nearest Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, where volunteers sort them, determine prescription strength, and carefully package them so they can be distributed, usually through humanitarian missions, to developing nations.

Hearing aids and contact lenses are accepted too!

Those interested in donating unopened contact lenses and used hearing aids (of any age, brand, or model) can do so at any of the locations where Lions Recycle for Sight boxes are located.

Here’s how the program works

Drop your usable eyeglasses, unopened contact lenses, and used or new hearing aids in a Lions’ collection box at the locations listed below. For more information or special pick-ups, please contact the Southport Lions Club president at info@southportlions.org.