GIVE BACK WITH US

DONATE ECLIPSE GLASSES

Eclipse Optics and Eclipse Glasses USA's donation programs are designed to be simple yet impactful. We invite individuals and organizations to donate their used glasses so that they can be donated for future use by specific populations in need of such eyewear.

Eclipse Glasses Donation Programs

Eclipse Programs Overview

AS OF 4/16/24, WE CAN LONGER ACCEPT NEW DONATIONS. ANY DONATIONS POSTMARKED AFTER 4/16/24 MIGHT BE RETURNED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT SPACE AT THE LOCAL POST OFFICE.

ECLIPSE OPTICS'S DONATION PROGRAM: A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR YOUNG STARGAZERS

In the vast expanse of our universe, few celestial events capture the human imagination quite like a solar eclipse. It's a moment when the sun, moon, and earth align in perfect harmony, casting a shadow that momentarily turns day into night. For many, witnessing this natural phenomenon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But to safely enjoy this spectacle, one needs the right equipment: eclipse glasses.

Eclipse Optics, a leading provider of high-quality eclipse glasses, understands the importance of this event and the need for proper eye protection. With a commitment to not only providing the best products but also to making a positive impact in the world, we have initiated a donation program. This program is designed to ensure that as many people as possible, especially school children in countries with limited resources, can safely experience the wonder of a solar eclipse.

THE HEART OF THE PROGRAM: DONATING FOR A CAUSE

The premise of Eclipse Optics's donation program is simple yet impactful. We invite individuals and organizations to donate their used eclipse glasses so that they can be repurposed for future eclipse events in other parts of the world. By doing so, we aim to foster a love for astronomy and science among young minds, while also promoting safe viewing practices.

One of the primary beneficiaries of this initiative are school children in countries that might not have easy access to eclipse glasses. By redistributing these glasses, Eclipse Optics hopes to provide educational institutions with the tools they need to offer their students a safe and enlightening eclipse viewing experience.

ENSURING QUALITY: UNDAMAGED GLASSES ONLY

Eclipse Optics emphasizes the importance of the quality of the glasses being donated. For the safety of the recipients, it's crucial that the glasses are undamaged. This means no scratches, punctures, tears, or any other form of damage that might compromise the protective quality of the glasses.

Safety is paramount when viewing a solar eclipse. Using damaged glasses can lead to severe eye injuries, including permanent blindness. Therefore, before donating, individuals are encouraged to thoroughly inspect their glasses to ensure they are in perfect condition.

A GLOBAL IMPACT: SPREADING THE JOY OF SAFE ECLIPSE VIEWING

The beauty of this donation program lies in its global reach. Solar eclipses are not limited to one region or country; they occur at different times across the world. By collecting and redistributing eclipse glasses, Eclipse Optics ensures that children in various countries can marvel at this celestial event without risking their eyesight.

Imagine a classroom in a remote village, where students have only read about solar eclipses in their textbooks. Now, thanks to the donation program, they have the opportunity to witness it firsthand, with their own eyes, safely shielded by the glasses provided by generous donors from thousands of miles away. It's not just about viewing an eclipse; it's about bridging gaps, connecting people through a shared experience, and igniting a passion for the cosmos in young hearts.

A CALL TO ACTION

Eclipse Optics's donation program is more than just a charitable initiative. It's a movement that aims to bring people together, irrespective of geographical boundaries, under the vast canopy of the universe. It's about sharing, caring, and ensuring that the wonders of the cosmos are accessible to all, especially the curious minds of the future.

If you have eclipse glasses lying around after a recent eclipse event, consider donating them. Ensure they are undamaged and in good condition. By doing so, you're not just getting rid of an item; you're passing on the torch of knowledge, wonder, and safe exploration to the next generation.

Let's come together and make a difference. Let's ensure that the next time a child looks up at the sky during a solar eclipse, they do so with wonder in their eyes and safety in their hands, all thanks to a pair of glasses that traveled miles to reach them.

Contact us at info@eclipse23.com for instructions on how to send them to us.

5-for-1 Program

For every 5 pack purchased, we will donate 1 pair of glasses to a school in Latin America, where there will be an annular eclipse in October 2024.

As of July 2024, this program has generated 85,000 pairs of glasses.

Eclipse Give Back

AS OF 4/16/24, WE CAN LONGER ACCEPT NEW DONATIONS. ANY DONATIONS POSTMARKED AFTER 4/16/24 MIGHT BE RETURNED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT SPACE AT THE LOCAL POST OFFICE.

We are often asked what to do with used eclipse glasses after an eclipse. Eclipse Optics works with other organizations to donate used but undamaged eclipse glasses to other countries with upcoming eclipse events.

We only accept US-made paperboard glasses that have the manufacturer's address and contact info and that bear the ISO logo. All others will be discarded due to liability and quality issues.

Lenses must be in good condition, without perforations, tears, or punctures that would allow radiation to penetrate through to the user's eyes. Damaged lenses will be discarded.

All shipments will be opened and inspected before being repackaged for outbound shipment. Damaged or unusable glasses will be discarded.

Glasses can be shipped via USPS First-Class Mail (super inexpensive) in an envelope. For larger quantities, please consult your local post office for the most cost effective ways to ship.

We do not provide prepaid labels.

Due to the incredible interest in this program, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries. Please refer to the above information.

OTHER PROGRAMS

Safety Glasses donation program

New Beginnings

The New Beginnings safety glasses donation program is a groundbreaking effort to help folks transition back into society after being incarcerated. We get that parolees face unique challenges, especially when it comes to landing jobs in fields like construction and manufacturing. That's why New Beginnings focuses on something crucial yet often overlooked: safety glasses and eyewear. We collect used but still-good safety glasses that meet strict American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements, and then we donate them to parolees in states that are part of this program.

Reentering society after prison is tough, with finding steady work being one of the biggest hurdles. A stable job is key to reducing repeat offenses and helping people successfully reintegrate. But many parolees are stuck looking for jobs in areas that require specific safety gear, like protective eyewear. Unfortunately, buying this equipment can be a big financial burden, stopping them from getting the jobs they need.

New Beginnings aims to break down this barrier by making sure parolees have access to the necessary safety eyewear. We gather safety glasses that are no longer needed but still in good shape, helping to meet a vital need that might otherwise go unmet. This not only boosts job readiness for parolees but also benefits the wider community by making reintegration smoother.

Collecting these glasses is a community effort, supported by local businesses and individuals. We welcome donations of any safety glasses that are no longer in use, as long as they still meet ANSI safety standards. Our team checks each pair to ensure they’re free from scratches, cracks, or any other damage. Once they're verified, we clean, package, and get them ready for distribution.

States that participate receive these donations and distribute them through various reentry programs and parole offices. This collaboration not only expands the reach of New Beginnings but also promotes a community-driven approach to helping returning citizens.

Besides providing safety glasses, the program also works on raising awareness about the importance of proper safety gear at work. Through workshops and partnerships with local groups, New Beginnings educates both employers and parolees about the role of safety gear in preventing workplace injuries. This helps ensure that everyone understands the value of maintaining high safety standards, leading to better job outcomes for parolees.

The New Beginnings program is more than just giving out safety glasses; it’s a beacon of hope and a tool for empowerment for those rebuilding their lives. It aligns with our mission of supporting people who face significant barriers to success. Through this program, we’re not just handing out protective eyewear; we’re helping to create a safer, more productive future for those eager to move forward and contribute positively to society.

For a mailing address and instructions, please email us at info@eclipseoptics.us.

Reading glasses donation program

Reading Glasses Collection Broker

Eclipse Optics reading glasses donation program helps make it easier for people who want to donate to the Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Program but don't live near a recycling center. As a donation broker, we collect and redistribute used reading glasses to those in need, no matter where the donors are located. This program builds on the success of our eclipse glasses give-back initiative, using our logistics and community outreach to make a big difference.

The Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Program is a global effort to provide glasses to underprivileged individuals who otherwise wouldn’t have access. Proper eyewear can significantly improve someone's life by enhancing their ability to read, learn, work, and perform everyday activities. However, the program's reach is sometimes limited by the availability of local recycling centers. That’s where Eclipse Optics comes in, making this crucial service more accessible.

We use our resources and networks to collect reading glasses from donors who are far from Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Centers. Donors can mail their used but functional reading glasses to Eclipse Optics. We store these glasses until we have enough to send to the nearest recycling center. The glasses need to be in good condition, without major damage like severe scratches or broken frames, to ensure they truly help the recipients.

Once we’ve gathered a significant number of glasses, we transport them to the closest Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Center. This ensures the glasses are processed and recycled according to the Lions Club’s high standards, extending the program's reach to more areas. By doing this, Eclipse Optics makes the donation process easy and impactful.

This operation is similar to our eclipse glasses give-back program, where we collect and redistribute special glasses for viewing solar eclipses. By applying the same principles of community engagement and efficient logistics, Eclipse Optics maximizes the impact of each donation, whether for a rare astronomical event or everyday needs.

To make donating easy, we’ve set up a system where donors can mail their glasses to our facility. We also engage with local communities through events and partnerships to raise awareness about our program and encourage more participation. We educate donors about the importance of eyeglass recycling, showing how their contributions make a difference.

This program not only supports environmental sustainability by repurposing usable eyewear but also addresses health disparities. For many recipients, receiving a pair of glasses from the Lions program through Eclipse Optics can mean the difference between struggling with daily tasks and fully engaging with the world around them.

In summary, Eclipse Optics is committed to making sure everyone, no matter where they live, can contribute to this life-changing cause. As a donation broker, we help extend the reach of eyeglass recycling efforts, turning every pair of donated glasses into a gift of better vision and a better quality of life.

For mailing address and instructions, please email us at info@eclipseoptics.us.

Shooting glasses

Back the Blue Program

Got used shooting glasses? Send them to Eclipse Optics's shooting glasses donation program! We'll donate them to police academy training programs that really need them. These programs go through shooting glasses fast, and tight budgets often mean their gear isn't in great shape. Eclipse Optics aims to help law enforcement cadets by donating used shooting glasses that are still in good condition and meet ANSI Z87.1+ standards.

For more info, email us at info@eclipseoptics.us.

NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED DONATION PROGRAMS

Our donation programs have been featured in national media due to the overwhelming public response.

In 2024, we collected over 500,000 used eclipse glasses to donate to schools in Hawaii, South America, and Africa for their upcoming eclipse events.