Newmarket Lions, UK
Are proud to have donated towards the Lions Sightsavers’
Last year Sightsavers supported:
- over 13.8 million eye examinations for potentially blinding conditions
- distribution of more than 103 million treatments to protect against neglected tropical diseases
- 210,011 sight-restoring cataract operations
- training for 199,473 village-level volunteers
Lions
Lions and Sightsavers’ began working together in the 1970s. Lions Sight Savers is a registered charity which donates on average £80,000 a year to Sightsavers’ work in India. Clubs support the Comprehensive Eye Services (CES) Programme which provides integrated services of eye care, education and rehabilitation across various communities.
Eye camp programme
This original programme grew out of the Lions Sight Savers Eye Camp programme, which started over 30 years ago. In that time a very large number of people have had their problems identified and their sight restored. Originally cataract operations were carried out in the back of Land Rovers or under canvas, but thankfully with time conditions have improved and now those requiring treatment are taken to hospitals (some of which were built with Campaign SightFirst funds) for improved treatment.
Unfortunately not all those arriving at an eye camp could be treated. Some were incurably blind, or might have a condition that a cataract operation would not help.
Comprehensive Eye Services (CES) Programme
The CES programme is able to offer something to everyone with a sight related problem. A blind person is directed to rehabilitation or training, a blind child will be helped to be integrated into school and all other eye problems are dealt with appropriately through health education, treatment or surgery.
A Lions Club’s donation now buys a share in integrated services of eye care, education and rehabilitation. Reports are issued to Clubs that donate £250 or more. The report identifies which CES project their money has gone to and gives an update on the previous twelve months’ activities. The report includes a map identifying the area of the country where the Comprehensive Eye Services are being provided.
For more information about Lions and Sightsavers contact lions@sightsavers.org
