This article series introduces important charity contributions by Lions Club of Eastleigh.
The first in the series is Eastleigh Lions’ work in combating the leading causes of blindness and assisting in preserving vision.
Lions Club have been involved with sight related issues since 1922 when Helen Keller, famous American blind and deaf author, challenged Lions to be the Champions of the Blind.
We have raised money to try to eliminate preventable eye disorders or disease, run clinics in many countries to carry out cataract operations, and re-cycle spectacles to the third world.
I recently have 7975 pairs of glasses in my garage awaiting our annual forwarding day when Lions from Petersfield arrive with a large van and move them to Midhurst for initial sorting.
The glasses are then checked more thoroughly at Chichester before being sent to France where we have a facility to grade them properly and re-pack in simple wallets for onward transport to underdeveloped countries in Africa and Asia.
World Sight Day
World Sight Day is an annual day in October when Lions worldwide carry out a “Sight related” exercise to raise awareness and funds.
World Sight Day 2015 is on the 8th of October.
We also like to give the local Mayor an opportunity to shop at Asda while we collect money, which is forwarded to Open Sight as a local Sight-related charity.
In addition, Open Sight were the President’s Charity in 2012/3 and we were able to give them £2000 to buy mobile computer equipment so they could demonstrate modern communications and social media adaptations for those with limited vision.
The Lions’ contribution to saving sight throughout the world
“Together with LCIF (Lions Clubs International Foundation) and partners like The Carter Center, Lions have helped to restore sight to 7.7 million people through cataract surgeries; prevented serious vision loss for more than 30 million; provided over 271 million treatments for river blindness; built or expanded 660 eye care hospitals and clinics; and trained 681,000 eye care specialists and eye health workers. Congratulations, Lions! ”
By Barry J. Palmer, Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation, in LCIF Newsletter (Chairperson’s Message)
To join Eastleigh Lions and serve the community, contact Lions Club of Eastleigh.
Article Series
- Article Series: Eastleigh Lions: Message In A Bottle
- World Sight Day: Lions Club of Eastleigh Supports Open Sight
- Santa’s Grotto at Brambridge Park – Christmas 2015
- Article Series: Eastleigh Lions: Champions of the Blind
- Inspirational Eastleigh Volunteers Fair
- Eastleigh Lions: Brambridge Park Santa’s Grotto 2014
- Eastleigh Lions: Bravery Certificates
- Eastleigh Lions: £1000 To Eastleigh Basics Bank
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Well done Dave and the Lions. It’s amazing to see how a garage is transformed into a ‘production line’ for good causes. Where could we drop off old glasses to the Lions, from Chandler’s Ford? Where are your collection points? Thanks.
The opticians at Asda is probably the easiest to remember, but we also have Hampson Opticians at 3 Hursley Road. Other sites include Tesco at Winnall, Specsavers and Vision Express and Dolland & Aitcheson (Boots Opticians) in Eastleigh as well as in the cafe of the new Council Offices. The collections stretch as far as Fair Oak.
Here is the collection list:
Eastleigh: Specsavers, Boots, Paul Capper, Eastleigh Civic Offices
Chandler’s Ford: ASDA, Hamptons Opticians, Methodist Church,
North Baddesley: Red Cross
Fair Oak: Ashleigh`s Opticians
Winchester: Specsavers, Vision Express, Tesco in Winnall
And, of course, the Lions introduced the white stick for visually-impaired people
Yes, this article White Cane (pdf) explains well about the white cane (white stick). In 1969, the International Federation of the Blind adopted October 15th as “International White Cane Safety Day”.
Thanks Chippy, How did I forget the one fact that is publicly visible on a regular basis?
Open Sight is Hampshire’s principal organisation for visually impaired people.
Open Sight offers a range of services to enable people to adapt and manage their lives which have been altered because of sight loss.
Open Sight’s experienced staff have the knowledge, expertise, empathy and understanding to help with any concerns people may have. They can assist by either visiting client’s at home or over the phone. Open Sight also have an Equipment Centre for viewing helpful aids.
Help with Daily Living – Open Sight’s Equipment Centre holds a wide range of specialist aids to help with reading, writing, watching television and using a computer. In addition the Centre stocks various everyday items, including talking clocks, watches, kitchen equipment, large button phones, adapted games and much more.
Help with Equipment – Open Sight Advisors can provide an assessment and help in choosing the correct magnification and lighting solutions best suited to your specific needs.
Help with Benefits – Becoming visually impaired can occur additional , such as buying aids and equipment to make life a little easier or added travel expenses to get around safely. Open Sight has the expertise to assist with applying for benefits and entitlements which provide regular financial assistance for such situations.
Open Sight may also be able to award a grant to help with equipment purchases (subject to criteria).
Help with Advice – Open Sight can give advice on education, social and leisure activities and offer emotional support around family issues through its dedicated Family Support Service regardless of which member of the family has sight loss.
Help with Leisure – Open Sight has 23 clubs across the County which offer an opportunity to meet with other local visually impaired people. Our clubs are run by trained volunteers who organise meetings, outings, entertainment and provide a friendly environment for their members. Transport is usually available.
Open Sight can advise on, and assist with, arranging holidays, both in the UK and abroad, which cater for people with sight problems.
Many sports have been adapted for visually impaired participants, including football, archery, tennis, cricket and even water-skiing. Open Sight has the information you may need.
Prevention and Training. Open Sight promotes eye health care advice with interactive presentations at schools, social and community groups and at information events.
Open Sight delivers practical courses to organisations, including nursing homes, for staff to understand the needs of the visually impaired people they support.
Contact Open Sight: 023 8064 1244.