Sustainable Choices for Your Eyewear
- Your Options Covered
This post was last updated in 2023
According to statista.com, worldwide there are over 1 billion eyewear frames and lenses sold each year. The quantities are enormous and given almost all are made from virgin metals and plastic, it is important to consider sustainable alternatives.
You can make your eyewear or glasses more sustainable by reusing frames or lenses that you already own (as long as they are in good condition) or by sourcing frames second-hand. If that does not work out for you and you need to purchase something new, focus on brands that use recycled or plant-based materials.
In this blog post, you will find information and links to useful resources that will help you do your part to make more sustainable choices when it comes to prescription glasses.
You will find answers to the following questions:
- How can I make my glasses or eyewear more sustainable? This covers what to look out for when purchasing something new and where to shop sustainably.
- Can you put new lenses in old glasses?
- What company will put new lenses in old frames?
- Where can I get second-hand prescription glasses?
- Are old prescription lenses still good?
- Can I get frames for my old lenses?
How can I make my glasses or eyewear more sustainable?
You can make your eyewear or glasses more sustainable by reusing frames or lenses that you already own (as long as they are in good condition) or by souring frames second-hand. If you are to purchase new, focus on brands that use recycled or plant-based materials.
More information about reusing existing frames and lenses and shopping second-hand is provided in the sections below.
When it comes to purchasing something new, there are a few things to look out for. As was the case with shopping sustainably for sunglasses, the focus when it comes to sustainable eyewear is the frame – ensuring the frame is made from sustainable materials, not virgin resources. Look out for recycled plastics, recycled metals, bio acetate, wood, cork or bamboo.
Unlike sunglasses, finding prescription frames that are made from these materials is not so easy. But there are options out there.
For those in Australia, I have looked into the options and have summarised it all here: 7 Sustainable Glass and Eyewear Brands Worth Checking Out
When you are checking out any brand claiming to be sustainable, besides looking at what the frames are made from, you may want to ensure:
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Frame materials are locally sourced
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Glasses are locally assembled
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Frames and lenses are high quality and likely to last
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Packaging is made from recycled materials
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Packaging is recyclable or compostable
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The brand is committed to sustainability as part of its operations
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There is a repair program or frame parts are easily replaceable
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There is a take-back program, ensuring the products are reused or recycled at the end of their life
You are not going to find a brand that ticks all these boxes – you may be lucky to find a brand that ticks more than one!
To be pragmatic, it’s a case of steering clear of the typical products out there and moving toward a product that does not use virgin source materials and ticks at least one of the boxes mentioned above.
Once you have a pair of glasses, there are still things you can do to make them sustainable.
Taking good care of your glasses to extend their lifespan is KEY to making your glasses more sustainable – sustainability is not all about what you buy or don’t buy, it’s about how you take care of things. By cleaning them regularly and storing them properly, you can extend the lifespan of your glasses, eliminating the need to replace them so often.
Check out this video on cleaning:
As for storage, try to keep your glasses in the case provided when not in use – a very important tip that can not be emphasised enough. Most glass wearers are pretty good with that. If you are not, build the habit!
If your lenses get scratched or damaged, instead of trying at-home remedies, it is best to take your glasses to an eyewear specialist/ retailer. They can assess whether your glasses can be repaired and they often have the equipment needed to do the repairs.
Can you put new lenses in old glasses?
You can put new lenses in old glasses or old eyewear frames. This process is called “reglazing” and most opticians will be able to do this for you. So if you are looking for someone to fit new lenses into your old frames, Google the term “reglazing” and your location to find someone near you.
Otherwise, consult one of the major retailers or online options noted in the next section.
This is a good option if you happen to have frames on hand that you love but the lenses are scratched up or in a condition that is causing strain on your eyes. And it’s a sustainable option if your eye prescription has changed but your current glasses are in perfectly good condition – instead of buying completely new frames and lenses, reuse your existing frames.
However, not all frames are suitable for reglazing.
When you are getting new lenses for your old frames, you will need to ensure your frames are still in good condition – if they are old and worn out, they may not be suitable for new lenses.
To fit new lenses into plastic frames the frames will need to be heated first. If your frames are cracked, they might not survive this process. Even the smallest hairline crack can be an issue.
If your frames are metal, the screws will need to be loosened to allow for new lenses to be fitted. If the screws are worn out, they may not provide a snug and secure fit for your new lenses.
This can be an issue for cheap plastic or metallic frames or any frame that is aged and has been subject to wear and tear. However, most high-quality frames should be fine and it is worthwhile checking to see if this is an option for you.
When you take your frames in for new lenses, the optician will take into account the size, shape and curvature of the frames to find suitable lenses. It is possible that your opticians will not have suitable lenses on hand and you will need to shop around – there are plenty of options, as noted in the next section.
You will likely be asked if you want an eye test before new lenses are fitted. If it has been more than 2 years since your last check-up or your optometrist recommends a check-up, follow their advice and get your eyes checked before you fit in new lenses.
Doing this increases the longevity of your new lenses – it would be a shame to get lenses made to your old prescription only to find out a couple of weeks later that your eyesight has changed!
And while you are at it, you can consider some new features available for lenses. Whether that be anti reflection coating, scratch resistance, UV protection or reaction lenses.
What company will put new lenses in old frames?
Any good optician can put new lenses in old frames. Most independent opticians are happy to do this for you, as well as some of the major retailers in Australia. If you are struggling to find someone to fit the frame you have, you can rely on companies that specialise in this service.
The following eyewear retailers offer reglazing services:
- Specsavers
- Optical Superstore
- Vision Direct
- OPSM
- Oscar Wylee (Oscar Wylee frames only)
No matter who you go with, make sure you ask about the full cost of their services – including how much it would cost if your frame breaks during the fitting process. All the retailers noted above offer healthcare rebates for these services, which is worthwhile chasing up.
If you are struggling to find someone to fit new lenses into your old frames or you would like to go to a company that specialises in these services, check out Optically.
They claim to offer Australia’s fastest and most economical prescription lens replacement service. Their replacement service comes with a 100% money-back guarantee and they are registered and approved with all Australian health funds – even if you use their online services.
They can reglaze fill-rimmed glasses, semi-rimless glasses, rimless glasses, sunglasses and Bose Bluetooth glasses.
Single-vision lenses with simple prescriptions are normally posted out within 3-5 business days and complex prescriptions can take up to 10 business days after they receive the frame. Reglazing bifocal and multifocal lenses take approximately 12-14 business days. Hi-index, tints, transitions, or polarised lenses can take up to 14 business days.
Optically is based in Sydney but they offer their services Australia-wide. At their warehouse, they stock thousands of single-vision, bifocal and progressive/multifocal lenses which allows them to turn around products quickly.
They reglaze frames that other retailers have refused to reglaze, because of their expertise in this line of work.
If you are not sure if your frames can be reglazed you can send the items to them and they will assess the item for you. If for any reason they can not reglaze the glasses, they will post them back to you at no additional cost.
For information on companies that offer the same service for sunglasses (non-prescription) check out Sustainable Sunglasses – Know What to Look Out For.
Where can I get second-hand prescription glasses?
There are a couple of places that sell second-hand prescription glasses. Gumtree and eBay are great for high-end, quality frames and Etsy is great if you are after vintage frames. Some retailers specialise in vintage frames, which is great if you want a unique style.
In all cases, it is the frame that you will be purchasing. It is highly unlikely the existing lenses in second-hand glasses will match your prescription.
Two specialist retailers in Australia are worth a mention when it comes to vintage frames:
1. Vintage Specs
Vintage Specs is a South Australian company who have been collecting frames for over 20 years. They are reglazing specialists, so not only can you get your frames from them but you can get your prescription lenses fitted as well.
Find them online at: https://www.vintagespecs.com.au/
2. Che Eyewear
Che Eyewear is based in Melbourne and they have a small collection of vintage frames available for purchase online.
Find them online at: https://cheeyewear.com.au/
Are old prescription lenses still good?
Your old prescription lenses are still good to use if they do not cause any eye strain or pain, you see no visible scratches or damage on your lenses and the lenses have all the features you need. If you are not sure, you can always take them to an optician and ask for their opinion.
If you have broken or damaged your frames beyond use but the lenses are still intact, the most sustainable option is to reuse the lenses.
- Blurred vision
- Increased headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Frequent squinting
- Eye fatigue
- Seeing double
Also visually inspect your lenses for any damage – they may have not caused pain previously, but if there are any new scratches on your lenses, this can affect your vision.
If it has been close to or more than 2 years since you last had an eye exam, you should check that your prescription is still valid before you decide to reuse the lenses you currently have on hand. If you are over 65, don’t reuse lenses that are close to a year or more than a year old, as it is recommended you have an eye test every year.
Finally consider some of the advances in lens technology and whether this is something you want to take advantage of. Every couple of years there are new features that are designed to improve your comfort levels and the functions of your lenses. Anti-reflection coating, scratch resistance, UV protection, and reaction lenses – these are some of the things on offer that may interest you. If that is the case, your existing lenses may not do.
Modern-day lenses are typically made from polycarbonate and can last 1 – 3 years. Therefore, they can last for the entire 2 years that your prescription is valid, so for that period of time your old prescription lenses are likely to still be of use.
So if you have perfectly good lenses but no frames, consider buying a frame only, saving you from having to buy entirely new glasses.
Can I get frames for my old lenses?
You can get new frames for your old lenses. But before you do this, check if the optician can repair your existing frames (if they are broken). If not, ask if your old lenses can be fitted into frames sold in their store. It is possible to do this, although not all opticians will offer this service.
Your optician will first check your lenses for any damage that could impact your vision. Then they will match the size, shape, and curvature of your old lenses with one of the existing frames they sell, to ensure they can get a secure and snug fit for your lenses.
I’m afraid this will limit your choice of frames.
Of course, this process is easier if you can buy the same model you had before but more difficult if you end up having to choose a different frame.
And this is not something you can do at home. You won’t be able to choose any frame you like online and hope that the old lenses you have will fit into them.
But as this Youtube video shows, it’s not impossible:
Keep in mind, it is a labour-intensive process so you may find it hard to find someone to do this. And once you do find someone, they may charge you an arm and a leg!
So as sustainable as you would want to be in this respect, you may find you can not reuse old lenses you have on hand and it may be a better overall, to purchase new from a sustainable eyewear brand.
Without a doubt, reuse is the best option when it comes to consuming responsibly – using what you already have and buying only what you need. While there are viable options when it comes to reusing old frames, reusing old lenses is a bit more tricky.
If reuse is not an option for you, you can ensure your next eyewear purchase is a sustainable one by supporting brands committed to sustainable practices. They do exist 😊
xxx Tahsin
After more information? You may be interested in....
Don’t Throw Them Away – Practical Uses for Your Old Glasses – if you have old eyewear, don’t trash it! Explore this guide, which covers options to repair, reuse and recycle glasses.
Sustainable Sunglasses – Know What to Look Out For – learn about the different options available to make your sunglass purchase a sustainable one.
9 Sustainable Sunglass Brands Worth Checking Out – for a list of Australian brands making sunglasses from sustainable materials and a summary of the pros and cons of each.
Replacing New Lenses in Your Old Frames – Is it Worth it? – for further information about getting new lenses into your existing frames, in particular, how much this will cost
7 Sustainable Eyewear Brands Worth Checking Out – for a list of Australian brands making prescription glasses from sustainable materials.
Plant-Based Sunglasses – What Are They Made From Really? – read this if you want to know what “plant-based” sunglasses really mean and what makes them a sustainable option.
Recycled Plastic Sunglasses – Innovations Worth Supporting – learn about the types of recycled plastics used in sunglasses and the different brands that sell this sustainable option.
A Close Look At Bamboo Sunglasses – Sustainable or Not? – for a great overview of bamboo as a material source, allowing you to judge whether it is a sustainable option or not.
Recycled Metal Sunglasses – From Waste to Wearable – discover the unusual source materials used in recycled metal sunglasses and the studies that show they are a sustainable option.
