Help Is Within Sight For The Lions

By Kendra Bobowick

Spreading like oil across water will be the scores of little toy rubber ducks bobbing down the Pootatuck River this weekend during the Lions Club’s annual event in Sandy Hook Center.

For many residents the race brings to mind images of floating ducks and an afternoon of fun; there are the few, however, who picture help they or a family member may need.

Club President Jon Christensen tells one story about a local woman struggling with her diminished vision.

“We were contacted by one woman’s daughter,” he said. The daughter knew about the Lions Club’s efforts, although her mother did not. “She said her mom was having trouble.”

The woman has macular degeneration, he explained, and the daughter was “wondering what we could do.”

The club relies on fundraising efforts throughout the year to support its eye research and other community needs. One of its largest fundraising efforts is this weekend’s duck race. Each year the signs go up and announcements go out reminding residents to “adopt a duck,” in time for the race, which helps fund the club’s initiatives. Healthy vision ranks high on the Lions’ list of priorities. As Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer season, Mr Christensen also hopes to direct attention to sight. The Lions Club is the primary volunteer organization concerned with sight saving issues and fundraises throughout the year to support programs related to advancements. (See related story about Sight Saving Month.)

Again referring to the resident struggling with vision problems, Mr Christensen was able to refer the daughter to resources, direct her to CRIS (Connecticut Radio Information System), and help with various forms or applications, he said.

He also told both women that the Lions would provide transportation, if needed.

“We were prepared to help,” Mr Christensen said. Further explaining, he said, “Lack of sight can mean a big loss of independence. Driving is one of them.”

Everyday life becomes a different place in Mr Christensen’s description. “Just plain negotiating around the home or community” is affected, he said.

Like many elderly residents, “She had lived in the same house for so many years and didn’t want to have to leave. Efforts including Meals on Wheels helped her stay home,” he said.

Local resources available to the vision impaired include CRIS radio, The Lions Low Vision Center, and the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation Inc of New Haven. Each fall the Lions also participate in a Health Day in September and provide free eye screenings.

Children are also a priority, he explained. If eligible, a school child that has vision problems can be directed to local Dr Roger Moore or Dr Joseph Young.

“One of the doctors will do a complete eye exam, and the Lions pay for it,” he said.

Residents in need of assistance or who know someone who may benefit from the Lions should contact Mr Christensen at 426-8990.

Resources

The Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation Inc supports research for eye disease, medical specialist training, and the provision of eye-related services.

The foundation, in conjunction with the Eye Bank & Visual Research Foundation Inc, “Give the Gift of Sight.” Mr Christensen urges residents to learn more about corneal transplants, which restore sight.

According to one brochure, “Anyone can be a donor regardless of age…and, you do not need perfect vision to donate.”

The brochure also answers the question of why people should donate their eyes, stating, “There is no substitute for human tissue. Donated eyes and corneal tissue are used for research, education, and transplantation.” Contact the Eye Research Foundation at 203-785-6121 to receive a donation form.

The Lions Low Vision Center in Danbury is another resource. Low vision results when a visual disability can no longer be corrected by ordinary glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. Low Vision information reveals, “We teach the client that their life can continue to be productive and independent if you have the necessary aids and devices to make the activities of daily living easier. We offer these devices as well as counseling, support and referrals …the Lions Low Vision Center does not take the place of a doctor. We offer the rehabilitation portion of eye care…” Visit lionslowvision.org.

The CRIS radio is a free, 24-hour radio reading service that broadcasts readings from daily newspapers and magazines. Those who qualify include any person who cannot read printed material because of visual, physical, or learning disability. Choosing a pretuned CRIS radio from the CRIS office is one of several options for tuning into the broadcasts. Call 860-527-8000, or email crisradio@snet.net.

The Lions Club eye-related projects in Connecticut include eyeglass examinations for the needy, eye bank registration, large print books at libraries, scholarships for the blind, contributions to schools for the blind, and more.

Within town are several drop-off spots for used eyeglasses, which the club welcomes. Collection boxes are placed at the C.H. Booth Library, the high school office, both Dr Young’s and Dr Moore’s offices in the Big Y plaza and at 11 Queen Street, the Senior Center, Nunnawauk Meadows, the thrift shop in Ricky’s Shopping Center. Glasses do not have to be in perfect condition. Contributions are used by optometry students for learning purposes, and are shipped elsewhere to those in need.

Southbury Library has a CVSBH radio recording studio, a private, nonprofit corporation that provides audio reading materials for The State Library of The Blind and Physically Handicapped. It is one of only five such studios in the state. The studio’s recordings are all volunteer efforts, and volunteers are recruited throughout the year. Contact the Southbury CVSBH at 203-267-6911.