Donate Eyes Glasses, Hearing Aids and Cell Phones

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 Lion’s defining causes. Through professional training, healthcare system development, and widespread drug treatment distribution, Lions have gained worldwide recognition for their work to improve sight and prevent blindness. Lions around the world are also actively involved in:

•    Recycling eyeglasses at 18 centers worldwide.
•    Supporting Lions Eye Banks that provide eye tissue for sight-saving surgeries.
•    Screening the vision of hundreds of thousands of people every year.
•    Prevent blindness by providing treatment to those at risk of losing their vision.

Recreational Camps
Lions proudly support recreational camps that are customized to meet the special needs of children and adults who are blind or who have severe vision loss. With input from experts – physicians, departments and ministries of health and local foundations – Lions have organized recreational camps to give these individuals the unique experience of camping.

Vision Screenings

A vision screening is performed to identify possible vision problems.  Lions partner with eye care professionals to carry out joint screening events.

Lions Recycle For Sight

In just about any home, one can find a pair of eyeglasses that are no longer being used. That same pair of eyeglasses can change another person’s life.

That’s why the Lions started the Recycle For Sight program. Everyone can help.

Throughout the year, Lions and other volunteers collect used eyeglasses and deliver them to regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers (LERCs). LERC volunteers clean, sort by prescription strength and package the glasses. Recycled glasses are distributed to people in need in low and middle-income communities where they will have the greatest impact.

Eyeglass Recycling – How You Can Help

If you have used eyeglasses you no longer need, you can donate them now. Lions accept prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses, and plastic and metal frames. Children’s glasses are especially needed.

In addition to all of the programs mentioned above, Lions Clubs International Foundation supports several large-scale partnership initiatives, research opportunities, and grant programs that aid the Lions in their sight-saving efforts

Overcoming the Challenges of Hearing Impairment
According to the World Health Organization, 360 million worldwide have disabling hearing loss.  Another 1.1 billion people are at risk of hearing loss.
•    Children with hearing impairment can experience delays in the development of speech, language, and cognitive skills.
•    In adults, hearing impairment and deafness can make it difficult to obtain and keep employment.
•    Hearing-impaired children and adults are often socially stigmatized and isolated.

Lions service activities for people who are deaf or have a hearing impairment may include:
•    Hearing loss awareness campaigns
•    Hearing screenings
•    Hearing aid recycling program
•    Recreational camps for the deaf and hearing impaired
•    Assistance for the deaf and hearing-impaired individuals