We’ve had an email from Dean:

I have just had my eyes lasered and need a suggestion of where I can send unused trueye contact lenses? Also have some monthly disposables and two pairs of glasses?

Glasses – spectacles – are quite widely collected for recycling/reusing overseas — a lot of opticians have collection bins and some charity shops do too (Help the Ages, for example). Contact lens containers are also useful little things – eg, use them for carrying little amounts of salt, pepper or other seasonings on camping trips.

But what about the contact lenses themselves? Does anywhere collect them for redistribution overseas or anything?

Any suggestions?

A suggestion from Jo:

My husband and I are both on a monthly contact lens package. We are accumulating vast numbers of lenses cases which I do not have the heart to just chuck in the bin! There must be something you can do with them other than make salt & pepper containers for when you go camping!

I await inspiration!

I’m a glasses gal so I haven’t faced this problem – but I’d love to hear if other people have used them for anything or if anyone’s got any suggestions : )

(Photo by jocan)