Duke Eye Center has partnered with ReSpectacle, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that redistributes quality, used eyeglasses to those who may be struggling to obtain them through conventional means.
On March 18, 2024, a Duke Eye Center team, organized by Duke medical student, Hemal Patel, sorted, cleaned and cataloged over 100 pairs of glasses to be sent to ReSpectacle where they will be measured and added to their database. Patients will then able to search the database for glasses that match their prescription and will only be charged for the cost of shipping.
During “Healthy Vision Month,” it’s important to remember that not everyone can afford glasses. According to the Vision Council, more than 165 million U.S. adults wear prescription eyeglasses, and the majority of consumers pay between $100 and $150 just for frames. Since its founding in 2011, ReSpectacle has donated more than 50,000 pairs of recycled glasses to underserved communities worldwide.
Duke Eye Center will continue to partner with ReSpectacle to collect lightly used prescription eyeglasses. Wooden collection boxes have been placed in the lobbies of multiple Duke Eye Center locations (full list of box locations here). For more ways to get involved, please contact Hemal Patel at hemal.patel@duke.edu.
