Prison Recycling Project update

Where to send used glasses donations and how to request recycled glasses for VOSH trips.

When the VOSH-ONE prison recycling program got underway some ten years ago, two inmates at MCI Norfolk were trained to neutralize used glasses with automatic lensometers, to discard any scratched or damaged pairs and to organize recycled glasses based on prescription.

More recently, student VOSH-ONE has been tapped to collaborate with Mike Devine, Director of Treatment at MCI, to ensure the two prison volunteers have enough glasses to spend 2-3 hours per day neutralizing to refine procedures and to keep the project moving forward in general.

Mr. Devine has agreed to accept boxes of donated glasses in decent at the institution via mail or direct delivery. If you have a stash of old glasses (preferably over 50 and not badly scratched or corroded) that you would like to send to the prison, please contact Mike Devine at (508) 660-5900 ext.254 or via e-mail at Michael.Divine@state.ma.us

To request recycled glasses:

Student VOSH-ONE also handles distribution of the neutralized and sorted glasses received from the prison at the New England College of Optometry (NECO), 424 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02115-1129. Any VOSH members planning upcoming missions in need of recycled glasses please contact student VOSH-ONE Vice- President, Allison Stickl, at allison_stickl@neco.edu with a list of desired Rxs .


• Used glasses and sunglasses (in decent condition), or unused, uncut blank lenses can also be sent to SVOSH-ONE, Attn: Alison Stickl vice-president, New England College of Optometry, 424 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02115-1129.
• Used glasses can also be donated through area Lions Clubs.