Make a Difference as a Sight Ambassador

Donating two to eight hours of your time each month can help the life of someone right in your own community.

As the state sight project of the Missouri Lions, the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation depends on the skills of our Sight Ambassadors - Lions club volunteers who help us serve those in need throughout the state.

Sight Ambassador opportunities are currently available for the majority of our vision programs, including assisting at amblyopia and glaucoma screenings, eye and organ donation drives, and eyeglass recycling events. You can choose which events and days you would like to volunteer, and continued training is provided by Foundation staff.

For opportunities in your area, please contact the Foundation public relations department at 800.283.1982, ext. 107 or akuhl@mlerf.org.

With the help of our statewide Sight Ambassadors, the Foundation can continue our mission of preserving and restoring sight to thousands.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Missouri State Fair

Speaking of Sight Ambassadors, a great way to start - or to continue - volunteering with the Foundation is to join us at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Mo. between August 13th and 23rd.

We're currently looking for Lions volunteers who can assist us at our booth in the Matthewson Exhibit Center from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day. Pick one shift or volunteer multiple days - it's all up to your schedule!

As a volunteer, you would help the Foundation staff with amblyopia and glaucoma screenings, sign up fairgoers for the Missouri donor registry and educate guests about our programs.

Contact Nicole Plegge at 800-283-1982, ext. 115 or nplegge@mlerf.org to secure your spot.

Dr. Dan Obermark Elected to Board of Directors

The Foundation is pleased to welcome Lion Dr. Dan Obermark of M-1 to our Board of Directors. Dr. Obermark was first appointed to the Foundation's Sight Committee by DG Vern Griffith in 2006, and in his new role, will help oversee the activities of the organization and develop strategies for future growth.

Raised in Union, Mo., Dr. Obermark attended Oklahoma State University and University of Missouri College of Optometry, and graduated with his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1990. After practicing for six years with Group Health Plan in St. Louis, Dr. Obermark started his own practice, Eye Health Care, in Sikeston and Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Dr. Obermark and his wife Annetta have four children: Cassidy, in her first year of University of Missouri College of Optometry; Jon, a senior at University of Arkansas; Katie, a senior at Notre Dame High School; and Jim, a junior at Notre Dame High School.

In Memory of Lion Diane Hughes

The entire Missouri Lions family was saddened to hear of the passing of Lion Diane Hughes of the Gerald Lions Club. A visitation and memorial service was held at Bland Christian Church in Bland, Mo. on Monday, April 27th.

Lion Diane was a dedicated and active member of her club and a tireless supporter of the Foundation's sight-saving programs. Since 2000, Lion Diane served as a ZAPM for the Amblyopia Detection Screening program and starting in Summer 2008, worked part-time as an amblyopia screener. She also served on the Foundation's Sight Committee from 2005 to 2008.

We continue to keep Lion Steve and the rest of her family in our prayers during this difficult time.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Foundation Board of Directors Meeting and Educational Forum
June 6, 9:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
600 South Legion Lane, Columbia, MO

Back-to-School Amblyopia Screening
July 25 & 26, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saint Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO

Missouri State Fair
August 13- 23
Sedalia, MO

Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
September 12, 9:00 a.m.
404 Portland, Columbia, MO

Foundation board meetings are open to all Missouri Lions. For more information, contact info@mlerf.org.