The Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation is dedicated to provide funding to Eye Research projects that are performed at the Universities in Connecticut. A part of these funds assist clinical work throughout the state.
On November 16, 1953, the State Council appointed a committee to investigate the possibilities of a state-wide program in which all the clubs in the state could participate. It learned that of the millions spent annually for medical care and other services for the blind, less than one percent was for research. An eye research program was approved by the State Council on March 16, 1954. The Yale School of Medicine indicated Yale's desire to establish the program if the Lions could provide the funds.
Over the next twenty-five years, the Yale Research Center expanded to 10,000 square feet with 24 laboratories and personnel including 40 full time research workers, 18 clinical staff members and 25 part time doctors. A Lions Clinic and a Lions Glaucoma Referral Center were established in new quarters in 1979.
In 1974, it was called to the Foundations attention that Eye Research was becoming a dominant factor in the studies at the new University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington. This program is under the able leadership of Dr. James O'Rourke who notified the Foundation of various research programs being instituted, including a study of nuclear ophthalmology. In December of 1974, our first contribution was made to the University and substantial contributions have been made annually. In 1981, the Connecticut Lions Vision-Immunology Center was established at the UConn Health Center. The continued support of the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation has enabled the CT Lions Vision-Immunology Center to establish 14 laboratories with 19 faculty engaged in research.
An Eye Registry program was established on a state-wide basis whereby the clubs throughout the state solicited the donation of eyes. Diseased eyes were used for research while healthy eyes were used for transplant.
Other groups have received support of the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation over the years. New dormitories were built at the Mansfield Training School for the specific use of the blind retarded. A Day Camp was established at Coventry for the use of the blind retarded under the supervision of Mansfield Training School. The Connecticut Braille Association, founded in 1959, reproduces books in large type for the visually impaired. The Connecticut Society for the Prevention of Blindness conducts vision screenings and provides information on vision problems. The Connecticut Visual Health Center, founded in 1971, provides glaucoma screening and serves as a diagnostic, research, and teaching facility. The William Backus Hospital and the Middlesex Hospital have received grants to help with the purchase of sophisticated equipment.
Connecticut Radio Information Service - CRIS
CRIS provides info and programming for those with sight impairments.
Diabetes Awareness - American Diabetes Association, CT Affiliate
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation - FIDELCO
The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, the only guide dog school located in New England, is a non-profit organization based in Bloomfield, Connecticut that breeds, raises and trains German shepherd guide dogs to be placed with blind men and women. The organization was founded in 1960 as the Fidelco Breeder's Foundation and donated dogs to several guide dog schools until 1981, when the current organization was expanded to include a training program. Its founder and Chairman is Charles H. Kaman, former Chairman and CEO of Kaman Corporation. Mrs. Roberta Kaman, co-founder, serves as President and Director of the Animal Husbandry program. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kaman serve without financial compensation.
These dogs are voluntarily adopted as puppies by families who bring them up in their homes for the first 14 to 16 months of life. With the families, the young guide dog candidates become socialized in the home and the community in preparation for the professional training to come.
After a dog is returned to the Fidelco kennel from the "foster family," a formal guide training program is begun with a Fidelco Trainer/Instructor. This program lasts for approximately six months and will prepare the dog to cope with all environmental situations. At the conclusion of the training period, the Selection Committee carefully matches each guide dog with a blind man or woman.
The difference between $20,000, the cost to Fidelco for each dog placed and $150, the standard good will donation from the guide dog recipient, highlights the need for voluntary support.
Hearing -American School for the Deaf
Leo Clubs ? similar to Lions, but for young people usually between ages 13 and 18.
Lions Eye Health Program ? LEHP
The Lions Eye Health Program of CT is in its infancy. Its goal is to educate those greatest at risk for glaucoma and diabetes related eye disease. This is accomplished through the distribution of informative pamphlets from the National Eye Institute. The program recommends dilated pupil eye examination for those greatest at risk. We believe this is the most important program Lions International has ever launched. Helen Keller charged Lions to be "KNIGHTS OF THE BLIND", and fight blindness throughout the world. The formation of the Lions Eye Health Program makes this challenge a reality.
Lions Clubs International Foundation - LCIF
LCIF is both the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International and the Foundation that gives life to our motto "We Serve" throughout the world. LCIF?s mission is achieved through its grants programs, which support the efforts of Lions clubs around the globe. These grants enable Lions to assist local communities and the world community through humanitarian service, major disaster relief, and vocational assistance programs.
District 23-C - Lions Low Vision Center of Eastern Connecticut, Inc.
Call Toll Free 1-866-255-8655
LOCATIONS:
Windham Hospital Professional Bldg.
132 Mansfield Ave, Suite 110
Willimantic, CT 06226
Niantic Senior Center
East Society Road
East Lyme CT 06333
What is the Function of The Low Vision Center Sponsored by the Lions of District 23-C?
The Lions Low Vision Center of Eastern Connecticut is staffed by a Technician who dispenses Low Vision Aids and trains individuals to use these devices which are designed to enhance remaining vision. The technician will counsel families, work and professional staff and clients, as well as employers. The critical components of good Low Vision care involve a comprehensive Low Vision evaluation, proper dispensing and training in the use of Low Vision devices and the follow?up to ensure that the devices are being used correctly, as well as maintaining liaison between the individual, the family, the referring Low Vision Specialist, and our Low Vision Technician. With ongoing support from the Lions of District 23-C and our clients, we offer these services to anyone who has low vision but is not legally blind.
Camp Rising Sun
This camp, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is for children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Children ages 6 - 18 attend camp free of charge. Camp is staffed by volunteer counselors who give a week of their time, love and energy. We have a pediatric oncologist and three nurses on campus 24-hours a day to tend to medical needs. The camp is situated on the shores of Triangle Lake in the northwest hills of Connecticut.
Camp Rising Sun started with 8 children in its first year and this past summer which marked our 19th season, 100 children enrolled for a week of fun and friendship.
Camp Rising Sun describes the Connecticut Lions as its ?benevolent grandparents.? We began supporting the Camp in its second year of existence and, in total, the Lions contributions to Camp Rising Sun has surpassed a quarter of a million dollars.
