Vision Services
For more than a century, Lions have been dedicated to helping people who are blind or visually impaired. In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions to become "Knights of the Blind in the crusade against darkness." Lions accepted that challenge, and today vision remains our signature cause.
Madison Lions Club proudly continues that tradition by helping children and adults protect their sight, obtain needed vision care, and improve their quality of life.
Eye Tissue Transportation
Madison Lions Club members help give the gift of sight by transporting donated corneal tissue and recovery kits for the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin.
Volunteer drivers throughout Wisconsin form a relay network, carrying secure boxes between established pickup and drop-off points. Incoming tissue travels to the Eye Bank in Madison for evaluation and processing; tissue approved for transplant then travels to the surgical center where it is needed.
Lions transporters also deliver the specialized recovery kits used by trained professionals when a donation occurs. Because donated tissue is precious and time-sensitive, every completed leg helps connect donor families, medical professionals, transplant surgeons, and patients waiting for the chance to see more clearly.
Children's Vision Screening
Early detection of vision problems can make a tremendous difference in a child's education and development. Madison Lions Club sponsors vision screening events that help identify children who may benefit from a professional eye examination.
Upcoming screening events are listed on our Calendar.
If your school, daycare, or community organization is interested in hosting a vision screening event, please contact us.
Assistance with Prescription Eyeglasses
Good vision should be available to everyone. Madison Lions Club helps provide eye exams and prescription eyeglasses to people who lack suitable health insurance and cannot afford the cost. The program serves people of all ages who meet its residency, financial, and previous-assistance requirements.
Applications must be submitted through an authorized referring agency. Learn about eyeglass-grant eligibility and authorized referring agencies.
Donate Used Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids
A pair of eyeglasses you no longer need can make a life-changing difference for someone else.
Madison Lions Club collects used prescription eyeglasses and hearing aids for recycling through Lions programs. Donated eyeglasses are cleaned, sorted, measured, and distributed to people in need through charitable vision programs around the world. Hearing aids are also accepted for refurbishment and redistribution whenever possible.