Surgery in 2001 failed to completely restore sight for Minden resident Darrel Coleman, whose diabetes had damaged his retinas. The 74-year-old also had cataracts. He and wife Kathy did not have the money he needed for surgery, before the Lions Eye Foundation stepped in.
In the past two to three years, Darrel Coleman's vision steadily worsened. The $2,000 to $3,000 they paid for the pre-surgery testing stripped their budget, and they were considered financially unqualified for the surgery, said Kathy Coleman.
"My husband is 74 years old and a retired developer, but still has the love in his heart of drawing and creating new ideas on paper," she said. "It was a struggle for Darrel to read, draw, or even see the happenings around him."
"I couldn't read. It was driving me crazy," Darrel Coleman said.
Two local eye-care professionals suggested Kathy contact the Lions Eye Foundation and after an application process that took about a month, the group arranged and financed traveling expenses in addition to the four surgeries.
Darrel Coleman's vision improved to 20/30 in his right and 20/20 in his left eye, following a series of surgeries last year at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.
"It's about his quality of life. He can take a drive and see the beauty, read, or do paperwork," Kathy Coleman said. "Restored sight is a wonderful blessing."
Lee Duncan, local sight chairman for the Lion's Club, said the program is a cooperative effort that brings financially strapped patients together with some of the best surgical care available.
"The program doesn't cost the Lions that much," Duncan said. "The doctors need the training. They would like to see more patients, so the interns get at least a surgery a week."
Applicants are screened concerning need and given a thorough eye exam. The diagnosis is confirmed before any surgery at Pacific Center and the entire process, from application through surgery, usually takes about two months, Duncan said.
From January to June of 2007, 133 procedures had been performed in this region, which includes northern California and all of Nevada.
Participation among Lions Clubs is voluntary, Duncan said.
In 1925, Hellen Keller challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" during the association's international convention.
Today, Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired through eyeglass recycling, sight partnerships and other sight services.
The Lions Sight First program has restored sight through cataract surgeries, prevented serious vision loss and improved eye care services for hundreds.
To continue and expand this effort, Lions have launched Campaign SightFirst II, with a goal of raising at least $150 million.
For more information or to apply for help, contact Duncan at 782-6663, extension 103.
Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.
BREAKOUT
Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in 200 countries working together to answer the challenges of communities around the world.
