Lions Clubs International

Multiple District 29

WEST VIRGINIA

Home Directory Programs Downloads Links Site Map

West Virginia Lions Sight Conservation Foundation, Inc.

The Sight Foundation Team 

Mobile Eye Screening Unit

Constitution & By-Laws 2006

Leonard Jarrett Award Recipients Through Lions Year 2005 - 2006

District L      District I    District O    District N

Fund-Raisers

A Brief History

In 1925 Helen Keller made her first appeal to Lions International to adopt helping the blind as their primary mission.

Only six years later, District 29 District Governor Jennings Randolph shared an idea with Dr. J. E. Blaydes, Sr, of Bluefield, WV, who was  helping blind children in Virginia.  DG Randolph offered to have the WV Lions pay for transportation and hospital costs to continue Dr. Blaydes’ work in West Virginia.

By 1955, the Lions Sight Program, Inc, was formally created to address sight needs of the less fortunate around Charleston, WV.

The needs of the entire state were recognized in 1959 and, by vote of the delegates at the State Lions Convention, the West Virginia Lions Sight Conservation Foundation, Inc., was formed.

Ever since, this Foundation has expanded to provide a multitude of services and activities to make life easier and more fulfilling for many sight-impaired West Virginians.

More detailed history of the Sight Foundation from 1961 to 1970

Vision Screenings
  • Over 1500 performed per year free of charge
  • Tests for vision impairments and glaucoma.  If problems found, the service coordinator suggests a visit to the doctor.
  • Those in need of assistance are referred to the local Lions Club which will ascertain level of services and assistance needed.

Surgeries and Other Services
  • Over 100 Surgeries are supported throughout the state at the cost of about $120,000 per year.
  • Includes:  Cornea Transplants; Cataract Removal; Laser Surgery Treatments for: Glaucoma, Crossed and Lazy Eye
  • Other Services include:  Eye Prosthetics, Hearing Aid Purchase, Low Vision Equipment.
  • We're also available for Educational Programs to any group.
  • How to apply for surgery assistance:  If you meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines 2006, your doctor may refer you to your local Lions Club for an interview and application.  (To find your local Lions Club, locate your district on the map and follow the link below it.  Or you can contact Secretary Treasurer John Pinkerman at 304-736-8075 or email.)

How can you help the Sight Foundation serve others?
  • Support your Local Lions Clubs' fund-raisers.
  • Donate. All donations are tax deductible.  To find out more about the types of donation plans available, contact Secretary Treasurer John Pinkerman at 304.736.8075.