Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired. This service began when Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" during the association's 1925 international convention.

Today, in addition to their international SightFirst program, Lions extend their commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts.

Lions are also involved in a variety of other activities to improve their communities and help people in need, such as assisting the hearing impaired, providing diabetes awareness and education materials, working on environmental projects and developing youth programs.

Click here for more information from Lions Club International

This is a brief description of the service ...
Key Benefits

• Provide eye exams, glasses, and hearing tests to needy children in the area:  Donated approximately $800.00 to Leader Dog, spent approximately $5,578 on glasses for children in the Sierra Vista Area, and $646.00 for one wireless hearing system
• Collect used eyeglasses, hearing aids, and cell phones for recycling from local merchants and citizens: Collected and donated approximately 4,600 pairs of glasses, 17 cell phones, and 7 hearing aides. 

Eye Glasses and Exams by Dr. Michaels

We work through the school nurses at all the Sierra Vista, Palominas  and Fort Huachuca Public Schools. Needy children are referred by the nurses whose parents are unable to pay for their glasses and their parents are usually ask to make a small donation towards the glasses. We also include private and charter schools in this program. Select health issues are decided on a case-to-case situation.