“Lions Clubs are committed to vision through global initiatives that prevent blindness and improve sight by providing vision screenings, supporting surgeries, and collecting/recycling eyeglasses.”

“Eighty percent of all visual impairment can be prevented or cured. The first step to prevention is awareness. The second is early detection through vision screening. Early identification leads to timely referral, professional treatment, and improved or restored sight.”

Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar) can damage the delicate blood vessels in the the light-sensitive retina, a condition known as retinopathy. While diabetes is the major cause of retinopathy and a leading cause of blindness, a significant percentage of people with prediabetes already have signs of retinopathy.

Sometimes hyperglycemia is detected for the first time through eye examinations. Lions clubs are encouraged to sponsor vision screenings in their communities. LCI offers Service Project Planners for guidance in conducting vision screening events for for adults and children.