The Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program is an ambitious initiative funded by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) through a Core 4 grant. The partnership program began in 2001 with a US$3.3 million grant. A second grant of US$2 million in 2003 extended the program until June 2005. A third grant of US$3.85 was approved in October 2004 and continued the partnership until December 31, 2007. A fourth grant for US$1 million was approved in October 2007 to continue the partnership until December 31, 2008. To date, LCIF has awarded US$10 million in grant funding for the partnership.

Together the two organizations are dedicated to serving those in need; the combined efforts helps a population whose needs are so often overlooked. Special Olympics is an international sports program offering year-round competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. LCIF has been at the forefront of protecting sight and preventing blindness worldwide for over three decades.

Opening Eyes vision screenings take place at select Special Olympics sporting events worldwide. Volunteer Lions play an integral part in the success of the program through hands-on event support. Volunteer Lions help with registration, color vision testing, visual acuity tests and distribution of glasses and protective sports goggles for athletes. 

A prime goal of Opening Eyes is to teach and prepare vision specialists, including professors and students, how to better care for this underserved population. Research has shown that among Special Olympics athletes, 68 percent have not had an eye examination in three years, 37 percent are in need of eyeglasses and 18 percent wear clinically incorrect eyeglasses. Opening Eyes provides diagnosis for vision related problems, as well as corrective and protective eyewear all free of charge. At the end of the screening, athletes receive a certificate detailing their vision needs and follow-up referrals for health care providers in their home areas, if needed. Athletes are also taught how to take better care of their eyes. More than 100,000 athletes have been screened through the Opening Eyes partnership, with prescription eyewear provided to more than 44,000 athletes.

More than 8,000 Lions Clubs volunteers worldwide have offered their time and talents in a team effort, demonstrating the motto, “We Serve.”