Amblyopia Prevention Screening Grows 28% in 2009
         
The Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation's Amblyopia Prevention Screening program is well on its way to meeting - and exceeding - our FY 09/10 goal of 30,000 children screened. As of the end of December, our program has screened more than 17,000 children.

Thanks to our screening staff and dedicated Lions volunteers, the Foundation has screened 26,624 children for amblyopia and other eye conditions since January 2009 - an increase of 28% over last year. 2,701 of these children were referred to eye care specialists for follow-up exams and treatment.

Number of Children Screened - 2008

Number of Children Screened - 2009

Areas previously underserved by the Foundation, such as Southeast Missouri, have seen a tremendous growth in the number of screenings held. In fact, we conducted 878 screenings across Missouri, up from 702 in 2009.

Because of your continued support and volunteerism, the Foundation is able to grow our program like never before, helping thousands of children escape a lifetime of blindness. To schedule an event in your area or to volunteer at an upcoming screening, please contact Tina Twenter at 800-753-2265, ext. 8518.

Free Glaucoma Screenings Save the Vision of Thousands

In recognition of National Glaucoma Awareness Month this January, the Foundation is encouraging organizations across Missouri to schedule free Glaucoma Detection Screenings in their communities. Since our screening program began, we have screened more than 27,000 people statewide for this debilitating eye disease.

Glaucoma gradually causes vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve from elevated eye pressure levels. In most cases of glaucoma, vision loss is gradual and painless - often making the disease undetectable. 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 age 60, those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, and African-Americans over age 40.

Upcoming Glaucoma Detection Screenings this month include:

• Bonne Terre Senior Center
  420 North Long St., Bonne Terre
  January 20, 2009, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Marshall Senior Center
  14 East Morgan, Marshall
  January 21, 2010, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Bridgeton Senior Center
  4201 Fee Fee Road, Bridgeton
  January 28, 2010, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

If your Lions club would like brochures on glaucoma, please contact the Foundation PR office at 800-283-1982, ext. 115. To schedule a screening, call Tina Twenter at 800-753-2265, ext. 8518.

Top Foundation Contributors for 7/1/09 - 12/31/09

The following lists the Top Giving Lions Clubs for the current fiscal year to date.

• Concord Village Lions - $12,000
• Wardsville Lions - $4,000
• First Capitol Lions - $3,400
• Hermann Lions - $3,000
• Paris Lions - $2,500
• Moscow Mills Lions - $2,390
• Sedalia Lions - $2,175
• Owensville Lions - $2,000
• Branson-Hollister Lions - $2,000
• Cape Girardeau Lions - $2,000
• Webster Groves Lions - $2,000

Donor Services Center Grant Update

As of January 11, 2010, the Foundation is still $8,411 short of meeting our goal of $32,986.27 to apply for a grant from LCIF to help fund our new Eye Bank Donor Services Center (DSC) to better meet our donor families' needs.

The Branson-Hollister Lions has raised a challenge to its fellow Lions clubs. They will donate an additional $1,000 to the project if other clubs contribute the remaining $7,411.

For more information on the DSC or if you would like to allocate a prior donation to this grant, please contact us at 800-283-1982, ext. 115 or at nplegge@mlerf.org.

Looking for Volunteers for Western Farm Show

The Foundation is still looking for volunteers to help out with amblyopia and glaucoma screenings at the Western Farm Show in Kansas City, February 19-21, 2010.

Two to three volunteers are needed at each shift - 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Farm Show is the same weekend as the M-5 Convention, so help from other districts would be greatly appreciated.

If you would like to volunteer, contact Tina Twenter at 800-753-2265, ext. 8518.

Monthly Program Stats

Take a look at what we're doing in your community! Visit our Foundation statistics page to review monthly program stats for your Lions district.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Free Glaucoma & Amblyopia Screenings
Western Farm Show
February 19-21, 2010
American Royal Complex
1701 American Royal Court
Kansas City, MO 64102

Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
March 27, 2010, 9:00 a.m.
Foundation Library
404 Portland St.
Columbia, MO 65201

Foundation Board of Directors Meeting and Educational Forum
June 12, 2010, 9:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
600 Legion Lane
Columbia, MO 65201

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