Lions provide sight and hearing care to those in need. Throughout the world, Lions change lives through projects that focus on:
The need for sight and hearing services is great. Globally, about 284 million people are visually impaired; 39 million of them are blind. Hearing loss affects one in every six people worldwide. It is estimated that the number of people affected by hearing loss will rise to around 1.1 billion by 2015.
You can help to prevent sight loss through sight services such as corneal donation, eyeglass recycling, vision screenings and eye health education. Strategic partnerships and events like World Sight Day, White Cane Safety Day, World Diabetes Day, Diabetes Awareness Month and Lions Eye Bank Week raise public awareness of Lions sight-saving services.
For those who have already lost – or who never had the ability to see, Lions aids for the blind may include:
Your participation in the Hearing program is valuable, because:
Lions strive to demonstrate concern and respect for the dignity and independence of people who have hearing or speech challenges. You can make a positive impact on the lives of children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing by giving them hope and tools for their independence and improving their quality of life. Hearing project examples include:
For news and information about Lions sight and hearing programs, read the Sight & Sound newsletter, which is published twice yearly.
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