What We Do?
Worldwide, Lions clubs are recognized for their service to people who are blind and visually impaired. This service began when Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness” Today, Lions extend their commitment to sight conservation through local efforts, as well as their international Sight First Program, which works to eradicate blindness in third world countries. The Sight First program is a US$215 million global initiative to fight the major causes of preventable and reversible blindness. The program has established more than 900 Sight First grants in 90 countries which have:
provided more than 7.3 million cataract surgeries and prevented vision loss for 27 million
- supported 114 million treatments for river blindness
- built or expanded more than 300 eye hospitals/clinics/wards and upgraded more than 337 eye centers with equipment
- trained more than 345,000 ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses, other professional eye care workers and village health workers.
Lions also collect and recycle eyeglasses for distribution in developing countries as well as train and provide leader dogs for the blind. In addition, Lions make a strong commitment to young people through many youth programs. Lions also work to improve the environment, build homes for the disabled, support diabetes education, conduct hearing programs and, through their foundation, provide disaster relief around the world. Over the past 46 years, the Milton Lions have supported the Citizens of Milton by operating fund raising events, Public Service Venues and donations to families and programs in the community.