An annual eyewear recycling program each spring that helps make eyecare more accessible to those in need
Collected eyewear (frames, prescription and non-prescription glasses, sunglasses, etc.) are delivered to the Lions Eye Bank of the Northeast and then sent to the Lions Club International to be cleaned and packaged for people around the world.
The eyeglasses collection takes place annually in the spring during the annual nationwide Campus Race to Zero Waste competition.
Since 2014, the University has collected and donated more than 11,000 pairs of glasses.
During collection season in the spring, mail unwanted glasses to:
University Mail Services
Box 270001
Rochester, NY 14627-0001
Use intercampus mail:
Place glasses in any box or envelope and send them through the intramural mail program.
Or drop off glasses in the collection box at the Medical Center:
Flaum Eye Institute, G-3070 (by the purple elevators)
With the friendly competition of the Campus Race to Zero Waste in mind, we hold an annual departmental competition along with the collection. There is an award given to the department that collects the greatest number of pairs and another for the department that creates the most “eye-catching” collection box. If you choose to decorate your box, a panel of judges from the Lions Eye Bank will vote on the one they consider to be the most attractive, or “eye-catching.”
The 2024 departmental competition sign-up window has passed, but start collecting for 2025!
Competitors, be sure to promote the program within your department and place your collection box in a central location. All boxes will be picked up from your department in early April.
The winning two departments will receive an award from the Lions Eye Bank: your choice of a pizza lunch or donut breakfast party. More importantly, you’ll have bragging rights!
We appreciate your care and effort. Your participation makes a difference for those needing glasses!