Can we recycle old glasses for better vision?

Recycling old eyewear is not just about charity; it's about fostering a future where everyone has the right to a clear vision. Photo: TBS

When our glasses no longer fit or become damaged, we often discard them without a second thought. Sometimes, it's not even about function—it's about fashion, and we dispose of perfectly functional frames to keep up with trends.

But where do these old optics go? Most likely, they end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste.

Yet, those spectacles that we no longer need could be a lifeline for someone else—someone who struggles to afford vision correction or doesn't even realise their eyesight is failing.

Could a simple act of donating old spectacles make a difference in their lives?

Approximately 2.2 billion individuals globally have trouble seeing clearly, and nearly half could be helped. The World Health Organisation states that a primary reason people have vision issues is the lack of proper eyewear, which affects almost 1 billion individuals worldwide.

The scenario is equally severe in Bangladesh. Many cannot afford essential eye care, especially in rural regions. Good-quality glasses typically cost between Tk800 and Tk2,500, often beyond the reach of low-income families prioritising essentials like food, shelter, or education over vision needs.

Inadequate eyesight results in lost opportunities for numerous individuals: children may drop out of school because they can't read the board, adults struggle to work effectively, and elderly people may become more reliant on others for help. Families may endure heightened caregiving burdens, leading to emotional and financial strain. Communities may suffer reduced productivity and economic contributions from individuals unable to work efficiently. 

The societal costs of healthcare, social services, and lost economic potential can be considerable.

Recycling and sharing old spectacles can address these issues, and each of us has the power to make a significant difference.

We can all play a vital role in establishing collection points for donating old glasses. These collection points can be set up in optical shops, schools, and community centres. Additionally, we can collaborate with specialised organisations, such as NGOs, to clean and repair donated eyewear. 

While the lenses may not match another person's prescription, the frames can be reused, significantly reducing the costs of new eyewear. We can also organise eye check-up camps where individuals can be matched with reconditioned frames and new lenses according to their needs.

Glasses are crafted from various materials, including plastic, metal, and sometimes wood. Discarding them inappropriately can lead to environmental pollution. Plastic frames can take years to decompose, while metal frames often contain recyclable components. By reusing spectacles, we can diminish waste and lessen the demand for new materials, benefiting the planet. This helps those in need and contributes to a healthier environment, aligning with sustainability principles and responsible consumption.

Many nations have successfully implemented programs to recycle and donate old glasses. For instance, Lions Club International runs a "Recycle for Sight" initiative that collects millions of used glasses annually and distributes them to needy people. The OneSight Foundation also organises eye clinics and provides recycled eyewear to underserved communities. In India, VisionSpring refurbishes old eyewear to make it more accessible. These practical ideas could be replicated in Bangladesh.

Imagine the positive outcomes of donating a pair of glasses! A child in a remote village who could not see the blackboard could start learning effectively. A bus driver struggling with sight could navigate the roads more safely. An elderly grandmother could finally read or watch television without needing assistance.

Companies that align with such social causes can contribute by partnering with organisations to collect old glasses or coordinate eye check-up camps as part of their CSR initiatives. Instead of discarding old frames, we can take them to designated collection sites and encourage friends, family, and colleagues to join in this effort.

Recycling old eyewear is not just about charity; it's about fostering a future where everyone has the right to a clear vision. By addressing vision challenges and minimising waste, we can cultivate a society that cares for people and the environment. 

So, before you toss away those old optics, ask yourself: Could they help someone see the world anew? The answer lies in your hands—and on your old frames. 

Let's give them a second life that brightens someone else's.

Shafiq R Bhuiyan is a storyteller who examined the intersection of social progress, effective communication, cultural development, and corporate social responsibility while sharing insights to inspire change. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.