Make Children's Eye Health a Priority for Back to School
As summer vacation approaches an end in August, the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation is taking extra steps to remind parents to make their child’s vision a priority on the “back to school” checklist. The Foundation will be promoting Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month with a number of amblyopia screenings throughout Missouri.
During Children's Eye Health and Safety Month in August, the
Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation urges parents to make their child's vision a top priority by visiting an eye-care specialist for a full vision examination. Proper vision is essential for young and school-aged children as the visual system develops. Vision problems that are left undetected or untreated could have a negative effect on a child's ability to learn in school.
You and your Lions Club can help the Foundation by promoting Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month as well. Visit our web site to download promotional materials and to learn more about becoming an amblyopia screening volunteer. To set up an amblyopia screening in your area, please contact Tina Twenter at 1-800-753-2265.
MLERF Ends Fiscal Year with Record Numbers
With the support and volunteerism of the Lions Clubs of Missouri, the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation was able to touch the lives of a record number of Missourians and those around the world during its 2006-2007 fiscal year. Listed below are end of year statistics from our vision programs, July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.
Heartland Lions Eye Banks |
|
|---|---|
Transplants: |
2,296 |
Amblyopia Prevention Program |
|
Screened: |
15,743 |
Referred: |
1,130 |
Glaucoma Detection |
|
Screened: |
1,198 |
Referred: |
111 |
Eye Care Assistance |
|
Patients: |
16 |
Eyeglass Recycling |
|
| Collected: |
60,000+ |
Missions to: |
Honduras, El Salvador, Nigeria |
We thank you again for your support! Together, we can work together to serve our communities and help restore and preserve sight for those in need.
MLERF Honors Cornea Recipient's Dedication
Since his cornea transplant in 1997, Mike Foley has exhibited an exemplary dedication to promoting eye donation. Mike has spoken to countless Lions clubs and other gatherings to recount his own journey, from failing vision to a cornea transplant that allowed him to experience seeing Christmas lights and the stars at night.
The Missouri Lions Eye Research 
Foundation recently recognized Mike's volunteerism at the annual MLERF company party in July. Mike was presented with a plaque and gift in thanks for his tireless efforts to help others receive the "gift of sight."
Welcome New MLERF Board Members
The Foundation welcomed new members to its Board of Directors in the new fiscal year starting July 1. Lion Jim Tesreau will begin his first term as Council Chairman, while Lion Sue Blakley will now serve as Vice Council Chairman. Lion John Schaeferkoetter also recently began his first term on the Board of Directors.
The following Board members were
re-elected to their positions: PCC Don Noland, President of the Board; PDG Howard Hawkins, Vice President; DG Donal Knipp, Treasurer; and Lion Stan Rehn, Secretary.
We look forward to working with you and the incoming Council of Governors in the upcoming year!
Upcoming Events
August 24-26, 2007: Amblyopia screenings will be held at the St. Louis Science Center for two days in June. For more information, contact Tina Twenter at 573-443-1471 ext. 241.
Looking for more detailed information on our upcoming amblyopia and glaucoma screenings? Visit our screening calendar online.
The Virtual Ambassador is a publication of the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation.
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