The Ojai Valley Lions Club has made an initial contribution of $16,000 and has officially joined in a collaborative Lions project to establish a Pediatric Vision Center in Ventura County. This contribution of $16,000 will help purchase necessary equipment that will serve all of Ventura County’s residents.
Lions in Ventura County have adopted a signature philanthropy to establish a Pediatric Vision Center in collaboration with the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC). VCMC has the space, the staffing and the collaborative relationship with Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles to make such a Center possible. Ultimately the Vision Center will help all children in Ventura County to have access to vision care regardless of ability to pay. VCMC has secured the initial staff to institute the service and Lions are raising money to provide necessary medical equipment to be utilized at the clinic and for a telemedicine/telehealth component. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is an important part of this project as a health care partner with a vast array of children’s ophthalmology and other specialists.
The vision of Lions Clubs International is “to be the global leader in community and humanitarian service.” In 1925 Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” Ever since that time, as one of their primary missions, Lions have worked tirelessly to aid the blind and visually impaired.” The intent of the Vision Center project is to meet a very substantial need and to help fulfill one of the primary missions of Lions Clubs International right here in Ventura County.
In April of 2015, as an initial step toward this project, Lions donated $50,000 towards a $100,000 retinal camera shuttle for use in the neonatal care unit and elsewhere at VCMC. Among other things, this machine helps screen for ROP, a common disorder that, if not promptly detected and treated, leaves children blind. In addition, Lions have committed to support the establishment of the pediatric vision clinic.
By joining in this effort, the Ojai Valley Lions join with other Lions in the commitment to provide a much needed, important service to the children of Ventura County. This is one of the great things we do as Lions.
While Lions may be best known for their efforts to eradicate preventable and reversible blindness, they are also an integral part of local community activities. Year-round, Lions Clubs support many donations to local schools and organizations through their community service and youth outreach programs. If you are interested in serving your community and becoming a member, a list of Lions clubs in the Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties can be found at 4A3lions.org.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the dynamite Ojai Valley Lions Club please contact their President, Danielle Franklin at Danielle.franklin@stewart.com.
Ojai Valley Lions Club 