Lions Clubs International is one of the leaders in the fight against trachoma, the world's leading cause of preventable blindness. The World Health Organization estimates that 70 million are infected with trachoma. With nearly $7 million invested in community-based programs that tackle trachoma from every angle, Lions are committed to ending this disease that has been blinding people since the time of the ancient pharaohs.

Lions Clubs International works with partners such as The Carter Center, national governments and Pfizer to counter trachoma in seven of the most afflicted countries in Africa. Lions in these countries put into action the comprehensive control strategy (SAFE - surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvements) in an effective grassroots campaign. Lions travel from village to village teaching people about the importance of hygiene and water usage in controlling the disease in their communities. They help organize distribution of Zithromax ®, the antibiotic donated by Pfizer, that is critical to stopping active infection. Lions hold screening camps and also provide funds for sight-saving surgery to those in the advanced stages of the disease.

Lions mobilize political will on a local, national and global level. As leaders in their community, Lions have unique access to decision-makers in health, business and government. Lions and partners advocate for more attention and greater resources to trachoma within government policies.

All these efforts have produced results. Worldwide, the number of children and adults infected from trachoma has dropped to 70 million from 150 million. In 2006, Lions Clubs International received the prestigious Trachoma Gold Medal 2006 from the International Organization Against Trachoma in recognition of Lions' contribution to the global effort against blinding trachoma.

Lions' trachoma control efforts are part of its SightFirst program, launched by Lions in 1989 to battle preventable and reversible blindness. SightFirst strengthens the capacity of local Lions to address visual impairment with increased resources. Lions have prevented blindness by controlling disease, building infrastructure and training eye care professionals. SightFirst has enabled Lions to restore sight to 5 million people through cataract surgeries, prevent serious vision loss for 20 million people and improve eye care services for hundreds of millions.

Despite the accomplishments of SightFirst in trachoma and other blinding diseases, many needs remain. If nothing is done, experts say that the world's blind population could double from 37 million to 74 million by 2020. That's why Lions are in the midst of a new US$200 million fund-raising campaign.

One of the goals of Campaign SightFirst II is to build upon the work we have already accomplished in trachoma control to substantially reduce the incidence worldwide. Lions plan to expand trachoma control activities from 7 to 15 countries by 2010, and will increase the population served from 2 million to 40 million. Lions will also dramatically increase the number of trichiasis surgeries performed, from 6,000 to 40,000 annually. By 2020, these contributions from Lions are expected to equal one-third of the funding dedicated to trachoma worldwide.

LCIF is an efficient and effective charity. Administrative costs were 12.4 percent in the 2004-2005 fiscal year, a very good ratio. All donations go directly toward grants. (Administrative costs are paid from earnings on investments.)

LCIF is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation as described in Section 501 (c) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to LCIF are tax deductible, as allowed under the Internal Revenue Service code.