Since Lions Clubs International was founded in 1917, Lions have worked on projects designed to prevent blindness, restore eyesight and improve eye health and eye care for hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Indeed, sight is one of Lions defining causes. The Saratoga Springs Lions Club is committed to the Lions mission to assist members of our community to prevent vision loss and to “see” the world in the best way they can. Learn more about how Lions Clubs around the world are fulfilling Helen Keller’s challenge to be “Knights of the Blind” at Lions Clubs Sight Information
Eyeglasses – For people in need of eyeglasses, the Saratoga Springs Lions Club can assist in the acquisition eyeglasses at little or no cost for those who are under-resourced and qualify. With the help of national and community partnerships, those in need can acquire the eye glasses they need for school, work and living a fulfilling life. For more information about eyeglass assistance, contact the Saratoga Lions Club Sight Chairperson at saratogaspringslions@gmail.com or Call us 518-212-7752.
Medical care at the Lions Eye Institute of Albany– For over 80 years, Lions worldwide have demonstrated a commitment to aid the blind and to support those with serious eye problems. Nowhere is that commitment more evident than in New York State. For people in need of financial assistance for medical and surgical eye care, assistance is available through the Lions Eye Institute and Foundation at Albany. Contact leialbany@gmail.com.
KIDSIGHT VISION SCREENINGS FOR CHILDREN
Early detection of young children’s vision problems is key to their development and prevention of future vision loss, particularly Amblyopia. According to educational experts, 80% of learning is visual. So if a child can’t see well, he/she can’t learn well. Yet most young children don’t get their vision screened until they have problems learning or paying attention in school. By then, it may already be too late. Unless vision problems are detected early and corrected, they risk becoming permanent by age 7. The Saratoga Springs Lions are making a difference, helping young children get the eye care that they need. The FREE KidSight screening program is as easy as taking a picture of the little ones eyes with immediate results that parents can use for eye care follow-up. KidSight screenings are available free of charge to local schools, daycares and community events, where young children will be present. To learn more about KidSight USA, go to LionsKidSightUSA or contact the Saratoga Springs Lions Club KidSight Chair at saratogaspringslions@gmail.com.
Lions Clubs across the country and around the world are known for their eyeglass collection efforts, to repurpose eyeglasses for those in need around the world. Eyeglass collection boxes are located all around the Saratoga County community, most notably at the Wilton Mall, Saratoga Springs NY. (Look for the yellow metal mailbox outside of LensCrafters) Gently used eyeglasses (without the cases) are collected and processed for redistribution to those in need world-wide. For a detailed list of collection sites click here: Used eye glass Collection Sites.
SENIORS
Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA) www.naba-vision.org, (518)463-1211
NABA provides services to people of all ages who are dealing with vision loss to help achieve independence and their life goals. NABA’s Senior Adaptive Living Program and low vision services help seniors with vision loss age successfully by providing low vision examinations and vision rehabilitation services for independence. Low vision aids such as magnifiers, large print and talking aids area available. For more information about NABA’s Senior Adaptive Living Program, go to https://naba-vision.org/living-skills/
Free eye care medical exams for seniors who have not received an eye exam in over 3 years
GUIDE DOGS FOR PEOPLE WITH VISION LOSS/SERVICE DOGS
The Saratoga Springs Lions Club is an ongoing supporter of schools that train puppies to be guide dogs for the blind and service dogs. Here are some of the organizations that we support. For more information about service dog organizations or a presentation for your organization.
