Eyeglasses are an essential tool for vision correction, but they can be very expensive, especially if you are required to get a prescription. Fortunately, there are a number of free resources for people with low income, including prescription glasses, discounted contacts, vision care programs, and even free glasses.
If you or someone you know needs a pair of prescription glasses but can’t afford them, check out Respectacle. Respectacle is a website that helps people obtain free prescription eyeglasses.
How does Respectacle Work?
Respectacle is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that uses the power of the Internet to facilitate the redistribution of quality, used eyeglasses to underserved communities worldwide. People donate gently used glasses and they help distribute them, free of charge to anyone that needs prescription lenses. Their goal is to allow anyone who needs it, access to free eyeglasses.
How do I obtain Free Glasses from Respectacle?
If you live in the United States and are needy, senior, don’t have vision insurance, or otherwise cannot afford to purchase prescription eyewear, this site may be for you.
At Respectacle, glasses are donated by members of the community. They are then cleaned, categorized, and loaded into their online database based on their prescription. These glasses are not likely to give you the same comfort, style, and quality of vision you would get from an optician who gives you a personal eye exam. But if you are someone who cannot afford a pair of glasses, you may benefit greatly from a pair from Respectacle.
What kind of Glasses will I get?
Glasses from Respectable are donated by people all over the country. They will come in all shapes and with a variety of extras such as progressive lenses, anti-scratch coatings, lens upgrades, tints, bifocals, UV protection, etc. You probably won’t know exactly what extras, if any, are included until your free glasses arrive in the mail.
Ordering Your FREE Glasses
When you are ready to order a pair of free glasses, please note that you will need to obtain an accurate eyeglass prescription from an eye care provider. If you are over the age of 65, you can get a free eye exam from Eye Care America.
EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, provides eye care at no out-of-pocket cost to those who qualify. Under this program, if you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident age 65 or older, have not seen an ophthalmologist in the last three years, and do not belong to an HMO or have veterans’ vision care, you may be eligible for free eye care services.
Check now to see if you or your loved one qualifies. If eligible, you can schedule a FREE comprehensive eye exam with a participating ophthalmologist in your area. (You can find more information about that
here)
Once you have a valid prescription, head to the
Respectacle website. Next, click “browse” and enter your prescription. If they have a pair that matches you can request them for free. Please only use this website if you have no other means of getting life-changing vision correction.
Do I have to Pay Anything?
In 2020 Respectable made the decision to start charging a shipping fee to receive the prescription glasses. As of today, they require a small processing fee of $5.00 to help cover the operational costs of managing and shipping free spectacles to recipients all over the world. The funds collected from these transactions go directly toward the mission of ReSpectacle: To facilitate the re-distribution of quality, donated eyeglasses to underserved communities worldwide.
Also, if you have prescription glasses that you no longer wear, please consider
donating them to this awesome service.
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eyeglasses on sale while you are here and save some money!
Other Programs Offering Free Prescription Eyeglasses
Here are some more programs and organizations that provide free prescription eyeglasses to low-income individuals:
1. Lions Clubs International
Lions Clubs International is a global service organization known for its commitment to vision care. Through its Recycle for Sight program, Lions Clubs collect used eyeglasses, refurbish them, and distribute them to people in need. You can contact your local Lions Club to learn more about their free eyeglass programs and how to apply.
2. New Eyes for the Needy
New Eyes for the Needy is a non-profit organization that provides free eyeglasses to low-income individuals in the United States. They work with social service agencies to identify those in need and provide vouchers that can be redeemed for new prescription eyeglasses.
3. VSP Global’s Eyes of Hope
VSP Global, a vision care company, runs the
Eyes of Hope program, which offers free eye exams and prescription glasses to those who qualify. The program partners with community organizations and optometrists to reach underserved populations.
4. Sight for Students
Sight for Students, a program by Vision Service Plan (VSP), provides free eye exams and eyeglasses to children from low-income families. Eligible families can receive a voucher through participating community organizations, schools, and health clinics.
For Those Who Do Not Qualify: Try GlassesShop
If you do not qualify for free
prescription eyeglasses through any of the aforementioned programs, don’t despair. GlassesShop offers an excellent alternative for affordable eyewear. This online retailer is known for its wide selection of stylish and cheap eyeglasses, making it easier for anyone to find a pair that suits their needs and budget.
The First Pair Free Promotion
One of the standout features of GlassesShop is their "
First Pair Free" promotion. This special offer allows new customers to receive their first pair of prescription eyeglasses for free. You only need to cover the cost of shipping and handling. This is a fantastic way to get high-quality prescription glasses without breaking the bank.
Affordable Prescription Sunglasses
In addition to prescription eyeglasses,
GlassesShop also offers a variety of affordable prescription sunglasses. These sunglasses not only protect your eyes from harmful UV rays but also ensure you can see clearly in bright conditions. With GlassesShop, you can enjoy the convenience of shopping online while taking advantage of their competitive prices and frequent promotions.
How to Get Started with GlassesShop
Getting started with GlassesShop is easy. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the process:
- Visit the Website: Go to GlassesShop.com and browse their extensive selection of eyeglasses and sunglasses.
- Choose Your Frames: Select a frame that suits your style and preferences. GlassesShop offers detailed descriptions and customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.
- Enter Your Prescription: Input your prescription details. If you’re unsure about your prescription, GlassesShop provides a guide on how to read your prescription.
- Checkout: Proceed to checkout and take advantage of the "First Pair Free" promotion. You’ll only need to pay for shipping and handling.
Final Thoughts
Access to affordable vision care is crucial for maintaining good health and quality of life. While there are several programs available to help low-income individuals obtain free prescription eyeglasses, not everyone may qualify. For those who don't, GlassesShop offers a fantastic alternative with their selection of
cheap eyeglasses and
prescription sunglasses. Their "First Pair Free" promotion is an excellent opportunity to get a pair of high-quality eyeglasses without spending a fortune. So, whether you qualify for free glasses or not, there are options out there to ensure you can see clearly and comfortably.
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