(Photo by Roy Lesher)
Helen Keller overcame the adversity of being blind and deaf and became one of the America’s leading humanitarians. In 1925 Ms. Keller spoke at Lions Club International Convention at Cedar Point, Ohio. She concluded:
“The opportunity I bring to you, Lions, is this: To foster and sponsor the work of the American Foundation for the Blind. Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided? I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?”
For more than 85 years, the Lions Club has carried out Helen Keller’s plea. Recently, Roy Lesher of Camano Island and an active member of Stanwood, WA Lions Club, joined a team from the Seattle chapter of the Volunteer Optometry Services to Humanity (VOSH) on a 5-day mission trip to Uganda, Africa. Lesher has also trekked to Mexico with Lion/VOSH teams.
For many years, the Lions Club has collected eyeglasses in store receptacles, both prescription and over-the-counter, The eyeglasses are turned over to VOSH who then cleans, adjusts and runs them through a lensometer to be rated for strength.
On the recent mission trip to Uganda, the 15-member team, lead by Dr. Willow Thompson, took with them about 14,000 pairs of glasses. Setting up a clinic in Kapchowa District on the eastern border of Uganda, the team saw about 2,200 patients and fitted 1,300 pairs of glasses to those who otherwise would not have the benefit of corrected vision. Patients with other eye problems were referred to specialists for treatment.
On a typical day, 300 to 400 people wait to be seen, so great is the need. The team examines patients, tests vision, and fits them with glasses, giving people from developing countries the gift of vision.
The primary mission of VOSH is to facilitate the provision of vision care worldwide to people who can neither afford nor obtain such care. The Lions Club, also an international organization, is dedicated to serving their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding. In the spirit of Helen Keller’s challenge and in partnering with VOSH, the Lions Club has enabled thousands to have the benefit of eyeglasses.
Roy Lesher extends his gratitude to readers in the Stanwood Camano area for their faithful contribution of eyeglasses. The next time you need a pair of glasses or sunglasses, consider donating your old pair to the Lions. You’ll often find a receptacle near a grocery store’s pharmacy or next to the checkout, also at Camano and Stanwood senior centers and libraries. If you don’t see a receptacle, ask a clerk, or call your area Lions Club and ask where to find the closest drop-off. The recycled glasses may enable someone to earn a living for their family, or make it possible for a child to attend school.
Mary, I had forgotten the Lions Clubs’ work on providing glasses for those in need. Glad to know they are still carrying on. Our local Lions club folded some years ago. We often take for granted the ease and the means we have in obtaining glasses. I took mine off just now and could barely read what I’d written.
How wonderful! I’m quite impressed.
What an inspiring and worthwhile project!
Thank you, thank you, Mary