The Lions Sight and Tissue Foundation of District 2-X1 Inc. (LS&TF) has been serving the citizens of the Dallas area since its beginning in 1956. as an eye bank devoted to cataract surgery and cornea transplantation to its current purpose as a resource for the people in District 2-X1 (which includes the Counties of Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Rockwall, Kaufman & parts of Collin) to receive Low Cost eye exams & eyeglasses as well as medical assistance for vision issues.
Through the years, the LS&TF has grown from a few dedicated volunteers meeting a plane at the airport at midnight to deliver corneas to a person in need, to an organization staffed by volunteers from Lions Clubs all over District 2-X1. In 2006 the LS&TF purchased a Blue Bird Bus that has two Optometrist stations and supporting Stare of the Art equipment. This purchase was made possible from donations received from local Lions, Lions Club of District 2X1, grants from foundations (LCIF), corporations and interested individuals. In 2017 this bus was replaced with the 'Neil Roach Mobile Eye Clinic'.
The LS&TF now helps 1,500 to 2,000 children and adults yearly receive eye exams and eyeglasses through the Lions Clubs. They also help several individuals receive medical assistance.
The impact of this service on the lives of these children and adults is profound. Without glasses, children are less likely to succeed in school, leading to drop-outs, gang involvement and potential incarceration. Vision problems are three times as likely in the Juvenile Detention Center population as in the general population. For adults, having a pair of glasses can mean the difference in getting a job or becoming a drain on society’s resources. The sense of pride in becoming sef-sufficient can change their lives.
in the first part of the 20th Century Helen Keller was one of the most influential women on earth and was invited to speak at the 1925 Lions International Convention where she challenged us to be 'Knights of the Blind' - a challenge that still rings true. We welcome all donations and would be glad to discuss our work with any group or individual
Only through generous donations from Lion’s Club, Foundations, Corporations and individuals can our important work continue to help the people of District 2X1.
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.
