Before we get to the list, let's cover a few basics you need to know to make sure you're getting legitimate glasses instead of fake ones.
Both NASA and The American Astronomical Society are warning of fake glasses flooding the market place, including online stores. What do they mean by fake? It means glasses are being sold as "eclipse glasses" and marked as being safe to use for viewing the eclipse when, in fact, they do not provide adequate protection for your eyes.
So, how can you tell legitimate glasses from fake ones? Here's what you need to look for.
NASA officials say only these five manufacturers make certified, approved eclipse glasses:
In addition to these five, The American Astronomical Society recognizes the following manufacturers as safe:
The manufacturer name and address should be printed on the glasses — be sure it’s one recommended by NASA or The American Astronomical Society.
Previous guidance from NASA had recommended consumer make sure glasses have the ISO number 12312-2 printed on them. However, some fakes are printing that on their glasses despite not meeting the requirements. So, do not rely on seeing "ISO number 12312-2" on the glasses. Instead, make sure they are from a recommended manufacturer.
And finally, look through the glasses before you get them. If you look through them and you can actually see things, they are NOT legit. If you look through them, and you can see the ground or see your hand in front of your face, you can be sure they are fake.
Now, where you can you get eclipse glasses in the Midlands? We've divided the list into two sections - known and crowd-sourced.
But, before you worry about going out to get a pair, know that many viewing locations and events will be providing glasses free of charge. If you're planning to view the eclipse at a watch event, check to see if they will be providing glasses.
Following are places we know have or have had glasses, either for free or for sale. Please note that glasses are selling out quickly, so we recommend you call to check availability before you go.
Also, remember you can make your own solar projection viewing devices. Find the instructions from NASA HERE.
FREE ECLIPSE GLASSES
All availability is subject to change. Please confirm availability with individual locations!
All ERA Wilder Realty LocationsOUT!
Lake Murray Visitors Center, IrmoOUT!
Palmetto Health-USC Medical Group: While supplies last, glasses are available (up to two glasses per person) at the following Palmetto Health-USC Medical Group locations. OUT!
Atrium Ridge Internal Medicine, Columbia OUT!Ballentine Family Medicine, Irmo OUT!
Jay Markowitz and Associates, West Columbia OUT!Lakeview Family Medicine, Lexington OUT! Midlands Internal Medicine, Columbia OUT!Northeast Family Practice, Columbia OUT!Palmetto Health-USC Internal Medicine, Columbia OUT!Palmetto Health-USC Ophthalmology, Columbia and West Columbia OUT!Parkridge Medical Associates, Columbia OUT!South Hampton Family Practice, Columbia OUT!University Family Medicine, Columbia OUT!USC Family Medicine, Columbia OUT!USC Internal Medicine, Columbia OUT!
Mungo Homes, Various Locations -- FREE glasses available at model homes in the following Mungo communities:OUT!
Baneberry, LexingtonBluefield West, LexingtonCatawba Hill, ElginEastfair, ColumbiaHawkins Creek, BlythewoodLangford Crossing, BlythewoodOakwood Village, West ColumbiaOsprey, ChapinPalmetto Shores, ChapinPersimmon Grove, LexingtonPortrait Hill, ChapinSpring Park, ColumbiaVintner's Wood, LexingtonWescott Ridge, ChapinWeston Woods/Wren Creek, BlythewoodWoodcreek Crossing, Elgin
Richland Library: All Richland Library locations will be handing out glasses Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while supplies last.OUT!
South Carolina State Library, ColumbiaOUT!
FOR SALE
Columbia SC Visitors’ Center, ColumbiaSOLD OUT!
S.C. State Parks Stores (At State Park Stores, At the State House Shop & Online) - $2.49 Online, Includes ShippingSOLD OUT!
South Carolina State Museum Gift Shop, ColumbiaSOLD OUT!
Historic Columbia Gift Shop at the Robert Mills House, ColumbiaSOLD OUT!
20!20 Vision, ColumbiaSOLD OUT!
Mast General Store, Columbia - $1.98SOLD OUT!
Young’s True Value Hardware on Two Notch, Columbia- SOLD OUT!
Palmetto Traditions, Cayce, Columbia and Lexington - $1.99SOLD OUT!
Random Tap, Elgin - $2SOLD OUT!
DEALS
- South Carolina State Museum: Receive a free pair of eclipse glasses with every general admission ticket while supplies last.
Richland Library: Free eclipse glasses for participants in the Summer Learning ChallengeOUT!
Dem’s Fine Jewelers: Free pair of eclipse glasses with purchase of total eclipse necklace.OUT!
CROWD-SOURCED
Following are places we are told by viewers have glasses for sale:
BI-LO (Likely all. Specifically: Augusta Road) - $1OUT!
Capital Supply, ColumbiaOUT!
EyeClipse Glasses, Columbia - $2OUT!
Kroger (Likely all. Specifically: Forest Drive, Killian Road) - $1.99OUT!
IGA, Camden and Elgin - $1 (NOTE: Some locations are sold out.)OUT!
Lesene Industries, West ColumbiaOUT!
Lowe's (Likely all. Specifically: Garners Ferry Forest Drive, Killian Road)OUT!
Native Carolina, Cayce - $4OUT!
Pitt Stops, Various Locations (NOTE: Some locations are sold out.)OUT!
Sonic: Free glasses with purchase of a dark moonshake. (NOTE: Some locations are sold out.)OUT!
Southstate Bank, Various Locations - FREE FOR CUSTOMERS ONLYOUT!
The Eye Center, Columbia - $3OUT!
Walmart (Likely all. Specifically: West Columbia, Forest Drive) - $1OUT!
Wingard's Market, LexingtonOUT!
If you know of other places that should be added to the list, let us know where and how much they cost.
Find News 19's full eclipse coverage HERE.
