Tokai Lions Club says partnership with Vision Works Optometrists has provided spectacles and eye tests to more than 80 children since March last year.
The Lions Club of Tokai has inducted three new members. At the same time, it celebrated the growing success of a community eye-care initiative improving the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Kerstin Merker, Lisa Storey and Tina Schubert were officially welcomed into the club during its general business meeting on Tuesday 5 May.
Club spokesperson Mark Roussouw said the club was delighted to receive the three new volunteers.
“Their energy, compassion and commitment to service will strengthen our efforts as we continue to support the communities we serve,” said Roussouw.
He said the induction marked an important milestone for the club. In addition, it continues to expand its outreach initiatives across the southern suburbs.
“Our new members join at an exciting time as we build on projects that are making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Lions is about service, connection and creating lasting impact,” she said.
Combating avoidable blindness
The occasion also gave the club an opportunity to reflect on the success of its ongoing partnership with Vision Works Optometrists.
This partnership has been providing affordable corrective spectacles and eye-care support to children since March last year.
The initiative supports Lions Clubs International’s vision service pillar. This pillar aims to combat avoidable blindness and promote access to better eye health.
Working in collaboration with Lions BrightSight and Westlake Primary School, the project has made a meaningful impact on children in the Tokai catchment area.
Since its launch, according to the club, 86 children have received spectacles and corrective eye care. In addition, 74 have undergone professional eye tests. A further 10 were provided with eye drops as part of the intervention. Roussouw said the initiative demonstrated the value of community partnerships.
“Access to clear vision can dramatically improve a child’s confidence, learning ability and overall quality of life. This project shows what is possible when schools, healthcare professionals and service organisations come together with a shared purpose,” she said.
Ongoing support
The club credited the success of the programme to the dedication of Vision Team members Chris Smith, Michelle Smith, Jill Rumbelow, Maureen Lawrence and Christiane Beretta-Savoia. In addition, the continued backing of Vision Works Optometrists was important.
Roussouw said the club remained committed to expanding its service footprint and ensuring more children had access to the care they needed.
- Special thanks were also extended to Westlake Primary principal Tracey Petersen for her support of the initiative.
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