Area Lions to take part in event to offer free vision screening, glasses for underprivileged
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than 50 million Americans have some sort of vision problems ranging from needing to occasionally use glasses to blindness.
While many Americans are fortunate enough to be able to afford vision screening and glasses, there is also a significant number of those without any vision coverage and who are unable to afford the cost of eyeglasses.
For years, the Lions Club has worked to address the lack of adequate vision care in developing countries by collecting and distributing used eyeglasses through the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Lions Foundations and partnerships with international nonprofit agencies.
Between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 the Wisconsin Lions Foundation distributed 218,089 pairs of eyeglasses worldwide. The WLF Eyeglass Recycling Center is one of 19 Lions Clubs International Certified Recycling Centers in the world. The Wisconsin Lions Foundation Center collected 1,291,514 pairs of used eyeglasses from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. They partnered with 95 different missions who distributed the eyeglasses across the globe.
According to Patty Krug of the Whittlesey Lions Club, that mission of addressing the vision needs of the poor and underprivileged is coming home with Wisconsin being one of five states participating in a program to give those without vision coverage an opportunity to get glasses.
In partnership with the Wisconsin Lions Eye Bank and the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, area Lions Club will be holding a Health Fair with free vision screening and will be distributing free glasses from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 at St. Bernard’s Church located at 400 N. 2nd Ave., in Abbotsford.
According to Krug, the location was picked to be centralized to serve Taylor, Clark, Wood and Marathon County residents. She explained that by having optometrists on-site they are able to provide screenings and have the doctor write a prescription. The Lions will attempt to match or get as close to, the prescription from among the glasses that have been donated to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation.
“This is for people who do not have access to glasses or insurance,” Krug explained.
Among the volunteers helping with the event will be Diane Solberg and Betty Herrell who had the experience in assisting in similar sort of efforts last winter in the Dominican Republic.
While all ages are welcome, eyeglasses can only be provided to those age 14 and older. Krug explained there are programs in place to work with vision care providers to get glasses for youth.
No reservations are needed for Saturday’s event and Spanish speaking volunteers will be on-hand to help break down language barriers.
This is the first such event to be held in the northern part of the state. Earlier this year there were similar programs held in the Madison area.
Email events@lebw. org for more information about the event.
