Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) Agreement

Benefits of the Canadian Association of Optometrists Agreement

At the October 1999 meeting of the International Board of Directors, the Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Lions Clubs International and the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO). 

Benefits of the Partnership

• CAO may cooperate with Lions clubs' initiatives to raise funds for diabetes and sight projects. CAO may ask provincial optometric associations and individual optometrists to participate.

• The benefits of membership in Lions clubs may be stressed to CAO members. The mutual interest in eye care services provides a natural foundation for CAO members to become members of Lions clubs.

• Lions clubs may be encouraged to promote Eye Health Canada Month each year. This public awareness campaign stresses the preventive health benefits of regular eye examinations. Lion clubs may also be encouraged to work with provincial optometric associations in the promotion of their sight-related public awareness programs.

• Lions clubs may promote the use of CAO members' offices as collection centers for used eyeglasses. This would promote community involvement of the CAO member and assist Lions clubs in eyeglass collection.  These eyeglasses may be sent to Lions Clubs International Recycling Centers for use in Lions-sponsored eyecare missions to developing nations. 

• CAO members may be encouraged to assist local Lions clubs in vision screenings, health fairs, community awareness programs, etc.

• Lions clubs may be encouraged to utilize the expertise and manpower of local CAO members in the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP), if appropriate, as well as in other sight-related activities.  CAO understands this program currently exists in some Canadian provinces.

Lions clubs are encouraged to contact local CAO members for assistance with vision care for the needy and other related Lions activities.

For More Information

Health and Children's Services
Lions Clubs International
300 W. 22nd Street
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842 USA
E-mail: programs@lionsclubs.org