Each year, the Texas Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center supplies 60-80 missions sponsored by church groups, physicians and other organizations with used eyeglasses. The center also supplies eyeglasses for permanent distribution centers in the Republic of Ghana, Nigeria and Brazil.

The center organizes optical training teams composed of Lions, doctors and opticians to work with Lions of multiple districts in developing countries. TLERC has the following training programs in place and available:

• How to create and operate an optical clinic with used eyeglasses;
• How to create and operate a new and used eyeglass distribution center;
• How to create and operate a finishing lab;
• Photo-screening;
• Low vision

To date, Lions in the following countries have received training: US, Guyana, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras.

Currently, the center is working with Chevron to set up a permanent Lions eyeglass distribution facility in The Republic of Congo. In addition, the center also procures new and used optical and surgical equipment for use by various mission groups.

TLERC is manned six days a week Monday through Saturday 9 AM - 4 PM.

We will conduct tours anytime during working hours and other times upon request.  We will accept glasses anytime - Call if not during working hours and we will make arrangements to meet you and to receive your glasses.  We need all the glasses you can collect.

The contact addresses and phone numbers are:
 

Number of eyeglasses collected in 2001-02: 1,140,000
Number of eyeglasses distributed in 2001-02: 618,911