Lions have long played a key role in preventing blindness, both in their local communities as well as globally. To build on Lions’ mission of service and increase their global impact, in 1990 Lions Clubs International Foundation launched SightFirst, a major international program to combat avoidable blindness. Hundreds of thousands of people have had their eyesight improved, at an average cost of US$6 per person.
            Through SightFirst, Lions develop and implement projects that save sight, raise awareness of eye diseases and educate communities on preventative programs. The Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) was created as a SightFirst activity for Lions within developed countries. LEHP is a community based eye health program that aims to prevent vision loss by promoting early detection and timely treatment of eye diseases. Because the program encourages people to visit an eye care professional, it is most appropriate for those with a strong eye care system in place.
            The program was officially created in the United States, as a result of a 1991 U.S. National Eye Institute (NEI) survey that was supported through SightFirst grant funds. The survey was conducted in order to assess the American public’s knowledge, attitudes and practices toward eye health and disease. The findings prompted NEI to launch National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP). The organization creates public education initiatives to improve community awareness and understanding. Lions continue to help distribute messages and materials created by NEHEP to reach more people.
           
            Following implementation in the U.S., SightFirst provided funding for materials to be translated into other languages. Grants were then awarded for projects in Australia and other countries, including:

• In Turkey, 544 Lions were trained to implement LEHP, and more than 12,000 people were screened for glaucoma and diabetic eye disease.
• Lions of Multiple District 105, British Isles and Ireland partnered with the British Diabetes Association, the International Glaucoma Association and University of Sussex to expand LEHP nationally.
• Lions in Canada implemented a pilot program on eye health education.
• Lions of New Zealand launched the first and only program to treat diabetic eye disease in Fiji by expanding outreach services.

            By successfully raising more than US$200 million through Campaign SightFirst II, Lions will remain leaders in eye health promotion and disease prevention. Future SightFirst funds for eye health are targeted at:

• Eye health education and awareness in developing countries as a component of SightFirst projects.
• The establishment of national-level eye health education initiatives. These projects will be supported where adequate eye care services exist and where there is not another organization in the country already providing these services.

Additional information on the new SightFirst Eye Health Education policy can be found on the LCIF Web site.