CHAMPIONS OF SIGHT: THE LIONS' VISION MISSION

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When Helen Keller addressed the Lions Club International Convention in 1925, she issued a stirring challenge that would define our organization for generations: to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." This powerful call to action launched a century-long mission that has transformed millions of lives worldwide through comprehensive vision services and unwavering commitment to sight preservation.

The Hot Springs Village Evening Lions Club proudly upholds this legacy through our extensive vision programs that address needs at every level—from prevention to treatment to rehabilitation. Working in partnership with the HSV Breakfast Lions, our dedicated volunteers travel throughout five counties providing critical preschool vision screenings in daycare centers and preschools across Saline, Garland, Hot Springs, and neighboring counties. Using specialized cameras, we conduct quick, painless evaluations that can identify vision problems at the earliest stages, preventing potential development of serious vision impairments and even blindness.

Arkansas Eye Bank Support - We provide essential support to the Arkansas Eye Bank, a vital nonprofit organization that evaluates and distributes donated eyes for corneal transplantation, research, and education. Through this partnership, we contribute to the approximately 85,000 corneal transplants performed annually across the United States, restoring sight and hope to those facing corneal blindness.

MidSouth Lions Cataract-a-thon - Our club actively participates in the MidSouth Lions' annual cataract-a-thon, connecting financially disadvantaged individuals with vision-restoring surgeries they could not otherwise afford. This life-changing program removes the financial barriers to sight-saving procedures, allowing patients to regain independence and quality of life through restored vision.

Vision Assistance Program - The HSV Evening Lions maintain a dedicated financial assistance program for community members needing eye examinations and prescription eyewear. Available to qualifying individuals who meet specific income guidelines, this program ensures that economic circumstances never prevent access to essential vision care.

Global Recycling Initiatives - Our club collects approximately 2,000 pairs of used eyeglasses annually through strategically placed donation boxes throughout Hot Springs Village. These collection points include prominent locations on Desoto Boulevard in front of the POA, on Balearic Road near the Catholic Church, and in numerous local churches and businesses. The collected eyewear supports both the Lions Recycle for Sight Program and Promise for Haiti, delivering corrective lenses to underserved populations worldwide.

Hearing Health Services - Expanding beyond vision care, we now collect donated hearing aids for our Lions International Hearing Aid Recycling Program. Additionally, we connect qualifying individuals with hearing assistance resources through Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Services in Memphis, Tennessee, ensuring that those with hearing impairments receive the help they need.

Through these coordinated efforts, the Hot Springs Village Evening Lions Club honors Helen Keller's challenge daily, serving as modern knights in the continuing crusade against darkness. We invite community members to join our mission through donations, volunteer service, or simply by spreading awareness of these vital programs that bring the gift of sight to those in need.