The World Health Organization estimates that the eyesight of one-fourth of the world's population can be improved through the use of corrective lenses. Unfortunately for many, a pair of glasses is both unaffordable and inaccessible. In developing countries, an eye exam costs as much as one month's wages, and a single doctor may serve a community of hundreds of thousands of people.

For approximately 80 years, individual Lions clubs and districts in the U.S., Canada and several other countries have collected used eyeglasses for distribution to the needy in developing nations.

The general public is encouraged to donate their used eyeglasses and sunglasses to their local Lions club, or to send them to one of the 13 regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers.

Did you know that two-thirds of all people with vision loss are women?

On May 5th, LEHP and the Women's Eye Health Task Force (WEHTF) will produce a special event to raise awareness of women's eye health. In observance of Mother's Day, Dr. Debra Schaumburg of the WEHTF and Harvard Medical School will be heard on radio stations around the country talking about how women can protect their sight. Click here to see if you can hear Dr. Schaumburg on a station near you.

To find out more about women and eye health please visit the website for the Women's Eye Health Task Force. For materials on women's eye health visit the site for the Lions Eye Health Program.

Seniors may qualify for a free exam and treatment at EyeCare America EyeCare America.