Free Amblyopia Screening Uncovers Hidden Problem

Throughout Devin's young life, her parents never thought anything was wrong with her eyesight. Devin didn't complain about her vision, and basic eye tests uncovered nothing out of the ordinary.

So when Devin was diagnosed with amblyopia, or "lazy eye," after a free Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation screening, her parents were shocked. "I had heard of lazy eye, but didn't really know what it was," said her mother, Megan. "I didn't realize it would have an effect on her vision or eye development."

When Megan received a referral postcard from the Foundation, she immediately took Devin to the eye doctor where the child was diagnosed with amblyopia, farsightedness and astigmatism. Today, Devin wears an eye patch two to three hours a day, three times a week, and already her vision is 20/20 when she wears her new eyeglasses.

Even her mother has noticed a change. "Devin never seemed like she had trouble seeing things. I think she just compensated really well. Now she tells me she can see better, and it's easier for her to find things."

Megan believes the screening has helped her daughter tremendously. "I think it's great. I'm so glad that your program found our program. And I continue to recommend the screening to other parents. It's really, really important."

Thanks to the Foundation's trained technicians and helpful Lions volunteers, we can continue to reach more preschoolers like Devin throughout Missouri and grant better sight to children at a critical time in their lives.

Just a Reminder - Fundraising Goals for FY 08-09

The 2008/2009 fiscal year comes to a close on June 30, 2009. To find out if your district is on track to meeting your fundraising goal for the year, please check out the chart below. If you have any questions regarding your individual club's contributions for the year, please contact the Foundation development department at 800-283-1982, ext. 107 or info@mlerf.org.

We Want Your Opinion!

On Friday, February 13th, you will receive an invitation to take an online survey to give your opinion on the Virtual Ambassador newsletter. Your information will help us better gear the newsletter to your needs.

The survey takes just minutes, and 10 lucky respondents will receive a free National Eye Donor Month t-shirt!

Thank you in advance for your participation.

See the Foundation at Your District Convention

Throughout February and March, the Foundation will be presenting at District Conventions across Missouri. Be sure to find out what's going on at the Foundation at one of these events:

• M1, February 21st, Rolla Lions Den, Rolla
• M2, March 27th, Holiday Inn - Viking, St. Louis
• M3, March 7th, Isle of Capri, Boonville
• M4, March 21st, Grand River Inn, Chillicothe
• M5, February 21st, State Fair Motor Inn, Sedalia
• M6, March 28th, University Plaza, Springfield
• M7, March 7th, Capitol Plaza, Jefferson City

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