OUR PHILANTHROPY…

When Helen Keller spoke to the International Convention of Lions International in 1925 she challenged the Lions to become the "Knights of the blind".  Committed to our motto - "We Serve" Lions perform service projects focused on improving our communities, the state, the nation and the world.  There are many local community philanthropic efforts that the Richmond Lions Club has supported over the years that do not relate to its mission but are equally important to improving our community.  Over the 94 year history of the Richmond Lions Club, the club has served in a variety of ways.  

A major service project of the Richmond Lions Club is Vision Eye screening of both preschool and school aged children. Last year in  Richmond Community schools alone, the Club’s screening team screened more than 1143 children plus many more in surrounding areas. Lions screen the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade students, enabling children to have the vision needed to be successful in school.

LIONS DOING WHAT THEY DO BEST…

Pictures tell the story!  1 out of 20 preschoolers and 1 out of 4 school aged children has an eye problem requiring treatment or correction.  Since children do not know how well they should see, they will not complain about poor vision.  Eye disorders, if they remain undiscovered, can harmfully affect a child's personality, his/her learning ability and his/her entire adjustment in school.

Nearly half of the 50,000 Americans, who go blind each year, lose their sight needlessly.  By conducting screening tests, the adult vision screening program will identify subjects at high risk for eye disorders or potentially blinding diseases and refer them for professional eye care.

Many adult diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, can steal a person's sight without noticeable symptoms.  Any vision that is lost to these diseases cannot be restored, but further loss can be prevented.  An adult vision screening can often detect these problems in the early and treatable stages.

This is a screening only and should not be confused with a complete eye examination.  No diagnoses will be made.  Based on an individual's screening results, the volunteer screener will recommend to that individual if he or she should have a complete eye examination.  (Each individual may choose the health care professional of his/her choice for any medical care, further advice, and/or verification of the screening results).

The screenings will include a visual acuity test (both far and near vision on each eye).  Other eye problems may also be discovered during the screening.

WHAT DO WE DO…..

• Lions are changing the world one community at a time, by addressing needs at home and around the globe and believe that kindness matters. And when we work together, we can achieve bigger goals.

• Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization, with a network of 1.4 million men and women in more than 210 countries and geographical locations. We serve where we live, as well as globally, and we have fun doing it.

• Though well known for its successful initiatives in vision health, Lions service is as diverse as its members. We meet all sorts of needs, from assisting the elderly to helping victims of natural disasters.

• Lions make a difference everyday everywhere. Whether by organizing a pancake breakfast fundraiser or building a wheelchair ramp for someone in need, we are a hands-on organization. 

• Lions extend their reach to local communities, to districts within the state, to state and internationally.  The needs are great and our services are broad, including sight, health, youth, elderly, the environment and disaster relief.