Eye Care Assistance Program Give Hope to Columbia, MO Woman

Donna Cullimore is thankful to the
Lions and MLERF for regaining sight.

As a single mom, Donna Cullimore works very hard to provide for her 15-year-old son. For the past 13 years she has operated her own business where she cleans houses for families in Columbia. While this job gave her the flexibility she needed to care for her son, it did not provide enough money for more than life’s essentials making health insurance out of the question.

A few months ago while at work Donna suddenly started seeing black spots in her field of vision. The spots were so significant that she had to call a friend to have her drive her to the hospital. Lucky for Donna her friend was Lion Reta Jones Nicholson - a Lion from the Columbia 20/20 Club. Lion Reta immediately contacted MLERF and was told to take Donna to Mason Eye Clinic for an exam and that the Foundation would pay for it. Lion Reta’s quick thinking probably saved Donna’s vision. Donna’s exam at Mason determined that the retina had detached from her right eye causing small tears. Surgery was needed in order for Donna to keep her vision. Since Donna had no way of paying for her treatment, MLERF accepted her to the Eye Care Assistance program. She completed the necessary paperwork and easily financially qualified for the program.

Donna had laser surgery the following business day and has since had better vision in the eye. While she is still seeking follow up care, she has been able to keep her eyesight in her right eye. Her doctor told her that if she had not come to the Eye Clinic when she did she would have lost her vision in her right eye completely.

Donna says she will be forever grateful to the Lions of Missouri for the Eye Care Assistance Program. "If it weren’t for your program, my quality of life would have been greatly diminished. If I had lost my sight I wouldn’t be able to read anymore and that is my most cherished pastime.”  

Donna is now hoping to find a new job so that she can get away from the difficult work of house cleaning. Although she isn’t sure what caused her eye problem she says she is ready to pursue a new career path and try something a little less stressful on the knees.

The Eye Care Assistance Program pays for diagnostic testing and minor eye care procedures for people, like Donna, who need ongoing treatment. Surgical expenses can be covered either by MLERF or with the help of the Knights Templar Organization. Gratis corneal tissue is also provided. The program does not provide eyeglasses or routine eye exams. The Eye Care Assistance Program works with doctors throughout Missouri to provide care as close to a patient's home as possible. Providing care close to home is important to patients not only for convenience, but to also save these patients' travel costs.

Donna is not alone in her inability to pay for her medical care; there are thousands of Missourians in need of assistance. The Eye Care Assistance Program fills a large gap in the need for affordable health care. Currently, there are 14 active patients in the Eye Care Assistance Program. The average cost per patient is $880 a year. There are many more people throughout the state that need help through the Eye Care Assistance Program. If you know of someone who needs assistance, please call us at (573) 443-1471.

February 2006
February 14
Share the love on Valentine's Day and help promote National Donor Day. This observance focuses 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.

March 2006
All Month
Join the Heartland Lions Eye Banks in commemorating National Eye Donor Month! During this special month long observance we encourage you to help educate others about the importance of eye donation. Look for materials in next month's Virtual Ambassador!

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