To schedule a program about the Mobile Eye Screen Unit or to set up a scheduled date for your grade school, Please contact Chairperson PDG Lion John Patton at (304) 748-7752
GLAUCOMA
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GLAUCOMA CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
A Message from Our Sight Foundation President
In view of the recent
misconceptions regarding the policies and intent of the West Virginia Lions
Sight Conservation
Foundation, Inc., I wish to clarify statements that have been made. As president
of the Foundation, it is my
hope that I can clarify the misunderstandings and assure you that the Foundation
continues to be strong and ready
to be of service to needy residents of our state in the areas of sight and
hearing.
The WVLSCF is sound financially, with all expenses paid as they are due. Thanks
to all the Lions and clubs that
continue to work hard and send us their donations. There has been a change in
our administration; however, we
have not changed our mission and goal to be of service to you. The Permanent
Endowment Fund is growing with
prudent investments and donations from Lions and Lions Clubs. This investment,
as the name implies, cannot be
spent --- only the interest earned from this fund is available to be used in
payment for services for West Virginia
residents. At no time was it implied that this fund would be cashed out and
placed in the general account.
The Mobile Eye Screening Units (MESU) have logged many miles this year, and have
provided many screenings
throughout the state. This is a great service that Lions provide. MESU #2 (the
newer unit) is running fine. MESU
#1 (the older unit) needs repairs. Unit #1 is at the end of its useful life, and
repairs cost more than the value of
the overall unit. We will be considering replacing MESU #1 with either a new
unit or providing the districts
with their own equipment to continue services. Each proposal has merit; however,
with the increasing cost of fuel,
maintenance, and insurance, we must spend the money that you donate to us
wisely. Your comments to your
elected Trustee would be most appreciated.
The West Virginia University Eye Institute approached the Foundation in
mid-summer with a request for funds
earmarked for research on the 3rd floor of their building. A $100,000 request
was discussed. These monies would
to be used solely for research on eye related diseases (such as glaucoma) at the
eye center. The Lions of West
Virginia and your Sight Foundation have supported the West Virginia University
Eye Institute since its inception.
They have served people from all fifty-five counties, along with providing many
thousands of dollars worth of surgeries
for our clients at no cost. After much discussion, the Trustees approved a
5-year commitment to the Eye
Institute for a total of $100,000 to be used for equipment, as needed, in the
area of research. This donation to the
Eye Institute shows the Lions’ confidence in and commitment to research related
to eye diseases. We will always
help West Virginia individuals, and it would be great if we could in some small
way help by being a part of finding
the cure instead.
Lastly, the Low Vision Clinic at the Eye Institute continues to run smoothly. It
never ceased operation, and clients
can continue to be referred for services. They will be accepted upon approval of
the necessary forms. These are
the concerns I have received, and I hope this information has been able to
clarify the situations. However, if you
still have questions, please contact your Trustee or me at (304) 242-0911
(pamrhein25@comcast.net), and we will
be glad to discuss them further.
As always, thanks for all you do!
PDG Paul Amrhein, President
WVLSCF