Lions Save Sight Foundation Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

It was World Sight Day on the 10th of October and Lions Australia was proud to celebrate our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by vision impairment.

From providing life-changing eye care to supporting groundbreaking research, the Lions NSW-ACT Save Sight Foundation celebrated 50 years of advancing eye health in Australia this year, commemorating the significant milestone with an anniversary dinner that brought together members and supporters from across the region.

This special event celebrated the Foundation’s long-standing dedication to promoting eye health and providing vital services to those in need.

It also reflected on 60 years of the Speciality Clinic Ophthalmology and Eye Health, and 40 years of the Save Sight Institute, both based at the University of Sydney, highlighting 150 years of eye health in Australia.

The Lions NSW-ACT Save Sight Foundation has been a long-standing supporter of the Lions Sydney Eye Bank and the Save Sight Institute at the University of Sydney.

Each year, the Foundation provides $110,000 to both organisations, with additional funding allocated for special equipment, such as a microscope for eye surgery that has significantly advanced patient care.

The Eye Bank also plays a crucial role in preparing donated corneas for transplantation, providing life-changing vision restoration to those in need.

The evening highlighted the incredible impact Lions members have made through programs aimed at early detection, treatment, and research related to vision impairment and other health initiatives.

Attendees reflected on the Foundation’s achievements, the lives touched by its services, and its ongoing commitment to community health.

Lions in Australia also run two key vision-related programs. The Recycle for Sight Australia initiative collects used glasses from optometrists, processes them at a recycling centre in Queensland, and distributes them to developing countries.

Over the past 26 years, more than seven million pairs of glasses have been sent abroad.

Additionally, the Lions Eye Health Program includes the Children’s Vision Screening Program, addressing undetected vision issues in children, which affect one in five.

Lions’ vision screening teams operate nationwide, recognising the significant impact vision problems have on children’s development.