Vision Programs

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. Click here to read her inspiring speech.

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. The community's support and help would encourage our efforts greatly. We appreciate your support.

Lions Low Vision Centers of Eastern Connecticut

What is Low Vision?
- Low vision is best described as insufficient usable vision to accomplish the tasks of daily living, even after conventional treatments such as medication, eyeglasses or surgery.
- These tasks can include reading, setting a thermostat, writing a check, seeing the dials on the stove, phone or appliance or watching television.
- Low vision ranges from mild to severe and should not be confused with total blindness. A person with low vision has best-corrected vision acuity of 20/60-20/200, or a reduced field of vision due to specific eye disease, stroke or trauma.
- Legal blindness is a best-corrected acuity of 20/200 or less in each eye or a field of vision 20 degrees of less.

What Are Low Vision Devices?
- Low vision devices are optical and non-optical aids which help a visually impaired person optimize their remaining eyesight. Because different tasks require different tools, a variety of low vision devices are often needed to accomplish daily living tasks.
- Training in the use of adaptive technology, software and closed-circuit televisions (CCTV'S) to magnify print can be provided.

How Can The Low Vision Center Help You?
The Lions Low Vision Centers, established in 1990, provide rehabilitative services to individuals with low vision needs. The centers offer training and counseling in the proper use of aids and devices, and in the adjustments needed for a daily living with low vision. The Low Vision Centers do not offer eye examinations or prescriptive items. It is most important that the client continue regular visits with their eye care professional. The center staff is trained in optimizing a person's remaining eyesight by magnification, glare control, proper lighting, specialized reading techniques, and referrals to other supportive agencies. Each client is evaluated for their individual needs and trained in the proper use of their devices.


Charities:
CT Lion's Eye Research Foundation
Lion's Low Vision Center
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
CRIS Radio
Lions Education Health Program
Warm the Children Fund
Bikes for Kids
Lyme's Senior Center
Volunteer Ambulance Association
Visiting Nurses Fund
Old Lyme Public Library
Old Lyme Emergency Crisis Fund
Lion's Clubs International Foundation
Lyme Youth Services Bureau
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding
Council of Churches Fuel Fund
Diabetes Foundation
Hearing and Speech Foundation
Camp Rising Sun (Cancer)

*If you care to learn more about these wonderful charities, click on the "Links" button at the top of the page. The "Links" page will direct you to the
appropriate web site.