LIONS IN ACTION
Helping Kids and the Environment
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about the SightFirst Program.
What is the SightFirst program?
How does the SightFirst program battle global blindness?
How does SightFirst help developed countries?
Who may apply for an LCIF SightFirst grant?
What is the difference between a SightFirst project and a sight-related project?
Who serves on the SightFirst Advisory Committee (SAC)?
What is the SightFirst program?
The mission of the SightFirst program is to build comprehensive eye care systems to fight the major causes of blindness and provide care for the blind or visually impaired. SightFirst grants are considered for projects that (1) result in a significant and measurable reduction in blindness in a specified region, (2) target the leading blinding diseases and/or address crucial unmet eye care delivery needs at regional and national levels and (3) use cost-effective and sustainable strategies.
How does the SightFirst program battle global blindness?
Typical SightFirst projects focus on strengthening of eye care infrastructures and eye delivery systems, training of eye care workers and related human resource personnel, intervening against the major blinding diseases through large-scale treatment initiatives, and providing rehabilitation and education in underserved communities.
How does SightFirst help developed countries?
In developed countries, Lions participate in the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP). LEHP is a community-based eye health education program that helps Lions communicate the importance of a dilated pupil exam to those at risk for glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. Multiple districts in the United States, Japan, the British Isles and Ireland, Canada, Australia and Turkey and New Zealand and Fiji have participated in LEHP. Additional programs will be available for Lions in developed countries to apply for in the near future.
Who may apply for an LCIF SightFirst grant?
Lions' districts work with their regional SightFirst technical advisor in developing SightFirst grant applications and project proposals. Completed applications must be signed and certified by the Technical Advisor, the district/multiple district's SightFirst chairperson, and the district governor (or council chairperson in the case of multiple district-initiated applications). Click here for a list of Technical Advisors worldwide. Please read the SightFirst Executive Summary for information on the types of projects SightFirst supports.
What is the difference between a SightFirst project and a sight-related project?
SightFirst projects that receive LCIF SightFirst grants focus on the major causes of blindness at national or large regional levels. These projects reach populations that are under served or that have limited or no access to eye health care services. Sight-related projects focus on community needs rather than national or international needs. Those projects, such as purchasing equipment for an eye clinic, for example, may qualify for an LCIF Standard grant.
Who serves on the SightFirst Advisory Committee (SAC)?
SAC is comprised of Lions leaders and global blindness prevention experts. The committee reviews and approves projects to receive LCIF SightFirst grants. SAC reports all actions to the LCIF Board of Trustees.
When does the SAC meet?
The committee meets two times a year in conjunction with the Lions Clubs International Executive Committee meetings in January and August. Contact LCIF for specific dates.
53,000,000
The pounds of newspapers that did not end up in landfills because Lions in Prescott, Arizona rise before dawn to collect, sort and recycle newspapers from local residents. Lions in Prescott have been recycling newspapers for more than 30 years.