Saving Vision
History:
Ever since Helen Keller challenged Lions to become the "Knights of the Blind", Lions Clubs from around the world have initiated programs aimed at helping vision- and hearing-impaired people.
"This is the opportunity I offer you, Lions—to foster and sponsor the work of the American Foundation for the Blind. Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness, no little deaf blind child untaught, no blind man or woman unaided? 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 my crusade against darkness?"
-- Helen Keller, 1925 Lions International Convention, Cedar Point, Ohio
Updates:
June, 2026 -- Life-changing news from the Foundation Fighting Blindness -- Jim and I just returned from the FFB United in Visions conference in Texas. It was so wonderful being there — we always return home motivated and inspired to continue our steadfast support for this sight-saving research. The amazing news coming out of this event is that at least 5 FDA approvals for cures and treatments will happen within the next year. Not a “we hope,” “potentially,” or “maybe” — will happen. Within five years, an additional 2–3 are projected.
Thinking about this, and the contribution that District 24L Lions have made to make this happen, brings tears to my eyes. Depending on our fundraising total from this year’s VisionWalk, we may reach $300,000 raised since 2010.
District 24L is still fundraising for the FFB VisionWalk. The DC Metro FFB Chapter is only $3,500 away from reaching a milestone goal of $200,000. If you or your club have not yet donated, it would be so great to have your support to get us over the top. Checks can be made payable to FFB and mailed to Lion Davida at 11902 Winstead Lane, Reston. Online donations can be made through the District team page District 24L: https://give.fightingblindness.org/district24lions26
My Eye Doctor (MED) -- For clubs already connected to My Eye Doctor (MED), please send Sarah Ulmstad at MED your club’s current point-of-contact information. If this information has not changed, you should still do this. If you have heard from Sarah and have already taken care of this, that’s great. Sarah.Umstead@myeyedr.com
If you are a club that is not currently connected to MED as a provider of eyeglasses and exams for your constituents, please contact me as your first step to make this happen.
Visual Health -- We now have a Lions partnership with an optometric practice called Visual Health. They have 12 locations, and I will be confirming this week that all their locations are connected to a Lions Club and have a recycling box. I will also be having a phone meeting this week with their practice director. One of their locations will now be able to see children under 6 years of age. Stay tuned for more details. I will be sending our Lions logo with a write-up about Lions to be posted on their website.
Share your Work -- Let me know if your club has recycling boxes at eye practices and share what your club is doing in the community. If we keep people connected with what we are doing, perhaps we can create some membership opportunities.
Yours in service, Lion Davida, 703-819-8621
January, 2026 -- It’s About Our Mission… But It’s Also Personal -- In 1925, Helen Keller stood before Lions and challenged them to become the “Knights of the Blind.” That call to service still defines who we are today. But for me, this mission goes far beyond history—it is deeply personal.
I am living with a degenerative retinal disease, and each day my world grows a little dimmer. Faces, colors, details… they are slowly slipping away. I know that one day soon, I will be blind. And yet, my vision has never been clearer!
As a Lion, I am committed to doing everything I can for those facing vision loss. That’s why every spring, the Reston Lions join forces with fellow Lions to support the Foundation Fighting Blindness VisionWalk. This isn’t just a walk—it’s a movement.
- The Foundation has funded $900+ million in research since its founding.
- It is currently supporting 60+ clinical trials for blinding retinal diseases.
- Their work has already helped lead to the first FDA-approved gene therapy for an inherited retinal disease.
- Millions worldwide are affected by these conditions and real progress is happening right now!
There is hope. There are breakthroughs. There is a future we can help change.
As District Sight Chair, I invite you to stand with us — whether by walking, sharing, or donating --to help fund sight-saving treatments, preventions, and ultimately cures. Support our 2026 District VisionWalk!
Important Note about Equipment Warranties:
Programs & Activities:
A Ball for All -- Soccer balls for blind children.
Foundation Fighting Blindness -- Committed to driving the research for blinding diseases.
Helen Keller 2.0 -- Step up and make an impact by organizing vision screenings, collecting used eyeglasses, supporting local eye care initiatives, or spreading awareness about preventable blindness.
Leader Dogs for the Blind -- Free services from Leader Dog make people unstoppable.
Lions Eyeglass Recycling Program -- Collecting and processing used eyeglasses and making them available to people in need around the world to improve vision and quality of life for people who cannot afford glasses. Centers are volunteer-driven initiatives where glasses are cleaned, sorted, and distributed.
LERCNOVA -- Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center in Northern Virginia
Lions Kidsight USA -- Bringing Lions Clubs across the country together to ensure children receive needed eye screenings and follow-up care.
Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington -- Serving as Greater Washington’s vision health leader and educator, dedicated not only to blindness prevention, but to the improvement and preservation of sight and quality of life for all community members.
Virginia Lions Eye Institute Foundation (VLEIF) -- Assisting low-vision individuals with needed care.
Washington National Eye Center -- Dry Eye and You - Vision Support Group Virtual Event - Join Hannah Anderson, M.D., Washington National Eye Center Ophthalmology Resident, to discuss common eye challenges and learn how to detect eye emergencies -- Tuesday, March 10 - 11:30am-12:30pm. To register, click here or call (301) 951-4444.
White Cane --