Medical Mission Saves Sight Abroad

Dr. Jones administers an eye examination

Lions Clubs and the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation have long been associated with eyeglass recycling. Thanks largely to the help of our Lion partners, each year the Foundation receives over 60,000 pairs of used eyeglasses. Those eyeglasses are recycled and given to humanitarian and medical mission groups traveling to third world countries. 

Recently, the Foundation has had the opportunity to provide eyeglasses to Dr. Robert Jones of West Plains, MO. Dr. Jones will be leading a week-long medical mission to Falmouth, Jamaica that begins on January 14. The mission is coordinated by a local Methodist church in West Plains. This is the second time that the Foundation has been able to work with Dr. Jones, although the group's missions to Jamaica have been going on for several years.

While in Falmouth, Jones and his staff will distribute the recycled eyeglasses to patients and perform cataract and minor surgeries. The team expects to see 100 patients a day while abroad.

Jamaica’s high poverty rate makes access to medical care impossible without the help of mission groups. Many villagers in Falmouth and other third world areas have never received a vision exam or corrective treatment for existing vision problems. Thanks to the expertise, time and dedication of professionals like Dr. Jones and his staff healthier vision can be reality for those who are less fortunate.

Are you interested in “sharing the vision” by recycling your used and unwanted eyeglasses? Please visit our web site for more information on the Foundation’s Eyeglass Recycling program, or contact us at 1-800-753-2265.

January 2006
All Month
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Join the Foundation at one of its free glaucoma screenings or request to schedule a public screening in your area.

February 2006
February 14
National Donor Day focused on donor card signings and drives for the five points of life: organs, tissues, marrow, platelets and blood. For more information visit the Department of Health and Human Service's web site.

Looking for more detailed information on our upcoming amblyopia and glaucoma screenings? Visit our screening calendar online.

Start '06 With a New Vision!
Set your sights on maintaining your vision in 2006! Here are some tips for healthy eyesight:

• Visit your eye doctor regularly. Those who are 55 and older should go at least once a year for a complete dialated eye exam. Some people, especially those with diabetes may need to go more frequently.
• Protect your vision. Wear sunglasses outdoors to prevent against harmful UV rays.
• Take care of yourself. You can lower your risk for eye disease and vision loss with a healthy diet, active lifestyle and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Source: Prevent Blindness America