Brillen ohne Grenzen (Glasses without borders)
Brillen ohne Grenzen is an initiative of Gudd Zweck UG which specialises in collecting and distributing used glasses. Gudd Zweck UG organises various collection campaigns (stamps, crown caps, etc.) or campaigns for good causes.
We receive spectacles every day that are unfortunately not suitable for refurbishment. There are many reasons for this, be it frames that are not in demand on the second-hand market, frames for which refurbishment is not worthwhile or damaged frames. However, with the help of Brillen ohne Grenzen, we have a sensible and sustainable use for these frames as well.
What happens to the glasses without demand?
Some of the glasses we receive are in good condition, would also be worth refurbishing, but have no demand in the sale. These are often opticians' own brands, no-name glasses or, for example, simple reading glasses. We pass these frames on to Brillen ohne Grenzen. The frames are then cleaned there and the prescription values measured and stored sorted. This way, the glasses can be retrieved and distributed by various aid organisations, e.g. the Development Service of German Opticians, when needed.
What happens to spectacles for which refurbishment is not worthwhile?
Some of the glasses we receive are unfortunately so heavily used that refurbishing them for sale exceeds the value of the frame. This can even include visible damage to the paintwork. The frames are then also passed on to Spectacles without Borders along with the frames, so that they are also cleaned and measured there and then wait to be used.
What happens to defective glasses?
We can even use defective glasses with broken temples or parts and donate them to social projects. We collect the defective glasses separately and pass them on to Gudd Zweck UG. The frames are then recycled and the proceeds used to finance the projects of Gudd Zweck UG, e.g. for the shipping costs of Brillen ohne Grenzen.
f.l.t.r.: Olga Meier (WIAF gGmbH), Michaela Roos (Gudd-Zweck UG), Franz Weller (TEAM UGANDA), Felix Heuel (Retired optician from St. Wendel and volunteer helper of Brillen ohne Grenzen) © Michael Ross
You can also help
If you have used or defective glasses, you are welcome to drop them off at Landario. Please note that we do not provide a free shipping label for donations.
If you are interested in the work of the Gudd Zweck UG, you can find more information via www.gudd-zweck.de or www.brillen-ohne-grenzen.de.
© Michael Ross
