National Glaucoma Awareness Month - Schedule a Public Screening Today!

More than 4 million Americans suffer from a debilitating disease that can steal their sight. Yet only half know they have it. As a Lion, you have the ability to protect your family and friends from the effects of glaucoma - the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

In recognition of National Glaucoma Awareness Month this January, the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation encourages Lions clubs throughout the region to schedule free glaucoma screenings for the general public. A screening can be an occasion in itself or a part of a public Lions or community event, such as a fundraising dinner, health fair or golf tournament.

Scheduling a screening is simple. Just contact Tina Twenter at 800-753-2265, ext. 8518 or at ttwenter@mlerf.org. She can provide you with the information you need to set up your event and help your fellow citizens.

Why is Screening for Glaucoma So Important?

Glaucoma gradually causes vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve from elevated pressure within the eye. In most cases of glaucoma, vision loss is gradual and painless – often making the disease undetectable. Unfortunately, vision that is lost to glaucoma cannot be regained. However, through early detection and the help of medications and/or surgery, it is possible to slow down and even halt further vision loss. Those individuals most at risk of glaucoma include anyone over the age 60, those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, and African-Americans over the age of 40.

The quick and effective screening program through the Foundation uses a non-contact tonometer to emit a “puff” of air into the eye that measures pressure levels within the eye. If a high pressure reading is given, the Foundation’s staff encourages the screening participant to visit an eye care provider for further diagnosis and treatment. Since screenings began in 1981, 7% of those tested were found to be at risk of glaucoma.

Together, the Foundation and the Lions are working together to screen individuals throughout the region and to prevent glaucoma from affecting those most at risk.

Helping While Honoring

Throughout their lives, Lions members have made a difference in the lives of those in need. One heartfelt way to honor or remember these special individuals is to make contributions to the Foundation in their names.

When donating a memorial gift to the Foundation, please include the following so that we may acknowledge your generous gift:

• The name of the person being honored or remembered
• The name and address of the honoree or next of kin of the person being remembered

An individual whose memorial tribute reaches $500 or more will have his or her name inscribed on a plaque to be proudly displayed at our Foundation library at our Columbia, Mo. headquarters.

Tributes can be made to the Foundation in one of three ways:

• By phone at 800.283.1982, ext. 107
• Online through the Foundation Web site
• By mail to the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation, 404 Portland St., Columbia, MO 65201

To request tribute envelopes to display at a memorial service, contact the Foundation public relations department at 800.283.1982, ext. 107

New Year, New E-mail Service

The Foundation has recently updated our Virtual Ambassador e-mail system to ensure improved delivery.

If you know of a fellow Lion who did not receive this e-mail or a friend or family member who would be interested in receiving Virtual Ambassador, please direct them to www.mlerf.org where they can join our e-mail list.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

National Eye Donor Month
March 1-31
Encourage your family and friends to register as organ and tissue donors on www.donatelife.net.

Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
March 14, 9:00 a.m.
404 Portland St., Columbia, MO
Meeting is open to all MO Lions, for more information contact info@mlerf.org