THE DESPERATE man received his emergency cataract surgery on Friday, saving his sight. The grandmother saw her grandchild following the removal of her cataracts. The woman in the shelter? Yes, she, too, received the restoration of sight. And the man longing to read his Bible did just that using a low-vision machine now placed in his home.
These stories and other sight-saving services are possible thanks to Middle Tennessee Lions Sight Service (MTLSS). The organization provides financial assistance for cataract surgeries and tools for restoring sight and transforming lives. It’s a combined project involving 80 Lions Clubs from Districts 12I and 12S covering 30 counties, including Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, and Lincoln.
Dianne Corlew, executive director of MTLSS, said, “Cataracts don’t just affect the elderly. Cataracts affect one in six people over 40 in the United States and are the most significant cause of vision loss and the leading cause of blindness in the world. We feel cataract surgery is the best way to aid the restoration of vision for the disadvantaged and hopefully make a dent in the leading cause of blindness.”
MTLSS raises funds for its projects through local Lions Clubs and individual Lions’ donations, but public and corporate funding will increase the reach of the services to those who need it most.
The annual Golf Ball Drop held in July raises funds through ticket sales. For every $5 donation, a numbered golf ball is added to those poured out on drop day. One is drawn, and the winner receives 10% of the funds raised. Last year’s event raised $12,902. Tickets go on sale in April, and more information may be found on MTLSS.org.
Helen Keller shared at the 1925 Lions Club International Convention, “Try to imagine how you would feel if you were suddenly stricken blind today. In that dark world, wouldn’t you be glad if a friend took you by the hand and said, ‘Come with me, and I will teach you how to do some of the things you used to do when you could see?’ I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?”
The Lions accepted Keller’s challenge and continue to work globally and locally to change lives and save vision. You can help, too.
Presales are underway for a specialty Crusade Against Darkness license plate to raise additional funds and offer more services. Its design might surprise you.
“Our new license plate displays the Jolly Roger, a black flag with skull and crossbones, because pirates used the same symbol to remind their victims that things could be worse if they did not cooperate,” said Corlew. “So, too, blindness will get worse if we don’t rally together and cooperate with one another. Our new license plate will declare to the world that we at MTLSS intend to annihilate blindness, one eye at a time.”
To show your support for MTLSS with the club’s specialty plate, go to MTLSS.org.
Providing cataract surgeries is a joint effort.
Lion Chris Ross, vice president of the MTLSS and past president of the Fayetteville Lions Club, said, “We have a great working relationship with Murfreesboro Medical Clinic and Vanderbilt University, our main surgery centers. Murfreesboro Medical Clinic ophthalmologists Dr. Frank Drowota (also a Lion), Dr. Ryan Drumright, and Dr. Brent Farmer provide their services at a reduced cost, and we pay the surgical center and anesthesia fees. We have an application process, and if they meet the requirements and aren’t insured, we’re going to take care of that person.”
All applications must be submitted through the Lions Clubs serving each applicant’s community.
For those battling the effects of macular degeneration, MTLSS offers a lifeline in the form of closed-circuit television, also known as a video magnifier. These tabletop devices enlarge text and images placed under magnifiers, displaying the items on a large screen. The invaluable tools provide a window to the world, allowing individuals to continue reading, pursuing hobbies, and maintaining independence.
MTLSS and area Lions Clubs remain committed to Keller’s charge as “Knights of the Blind in a crusade against darkness.” The unwavering dedication and selfless acts of kindness testify to the transformative power of human compassion, illuminating lives and restoring hope one vision at a time. GN
