Lions give sight.

By conducting vision screenings, equipping hospitals and clinics, distributing medicine and raising awareness of eye disease, Lions work toward the goal of providing vision for all.

On Tuesday, 45 participants at the Troy Nutrition Center received free vision screenings conducted by Alabama Lions District 34C. When the screenings were completed, 10 senior adults received certificates for free eye examinations, glass frames and glasses.

“This was a very beneficial service for our people,” said Shelia Deveridge, center director. “Some of our seniors had never had vision screenings and, for others, it had been a long time. Now, those who are being referred for further examination will get the glasses they need and life will be much better for them, thanks to the Lions.”

Andy Marshall, District Governor, and Claudia Wigglesworth, immediate past District Governor, were on hand for the vision screenings at the Troy Nutrition Center and were pleased that the participants were so willing to participate in the screenings and appreciative of the opportunity.

“Those who are being referred for eye examinations were grateful to the Lions for the opportunity,” Deveridge said. “If it had not been for the Lions’ vision screenings, some of them, many of them, would probably have continued just seeing the best they could. We will encourage all of them to follow up with an eye examination.”

Deveridge thanked the Lions and expressed hope that their efforts to bring a Lions Club back to Troy will be fruitful.

“A Lions Club would be very beneficial to the City of Troy,” she said. “When we had a Lions Club here, it was very helpful. I know they conducted eye screenings at the schools. Lions are very dedicated and do so much good through their sight program.”

Marshall and Wigglesworth said efforts are underway to reestablish a Lions Club in Troy.

“There are several service organization doing great things in Troy,” Marshall said. “Our mission focuses on vision, on sight.  Lions are known as the Knights of the Blind. We would like to see Lions back in Troy. We are working to make it happen.”

Anyone interested in more information about Lions in Troy is invited to join Marshall and Wigglesworth for an informational meeting at Sister’s Restaurant in Troy at 6 p.m.  Thursday. Cal1 l407-920-6358 or 334-333-3591 to confirm.