Vision

Ever since Helen Keller inspired us to champion the cause in 1925, we’ve served and advocated for the blind and visually impaired. Nearly a century later, this long-standing mission continues unhindered.

 

We have a long history of serving the blind and visually impaired, and remain committed to continuing this mission into our next century of service.

 

Our Strategic Objective
Prevent avoidable blindness and improve quality of life for people who are blind and visually impaired.

Eyeglass Recycling – How You Can Help


In just about any home, one can find a pair of eyeglasses that are no longer being used. That same pair of eyeglasses can change another person's life. That's why the Lions started the Recycle For Sight program. Everyone can help. 

If you have used eyeglasses you no longer need, you can donate them now. Lions accept prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses and plastic and metal frames. Children’s glasses are especially needed.

Lions Clubs throughout New Zealand collect these unwanted spectacles and send them to our processing centres where they are sorted, checked for scratches, cracks and screws tightened before being washed in an ultrasonic washer and dried.  They then have their prescription recorded and are packed for delivery to Volunteer Ophthalmologist Services Overseas (VOSO) for distribution to those with poor eyesight in the Pacific Islands.

Type 2 Diabetes is common in the Islands and is the main cause of blindness. Lions Clubs in the Islands receive the glasses and distribute them to visiting volunteer Optometrists who test patients and fit them with the recycled glasses at no cost.

VOSO consists of teams of eye surgeons, optometrists and eye care workers who visit the isolated communities and bring enhancement to the lives of hundreds of people annually. The project has provided over 80,000 pairs of glasses which would have a replacement value in excess of $15 million.

Sunglasses are also a useable item for the Islands particularly after cataract operations. Transporting the glasses to the Islands is always a problem so any way to help is appreciated. Some firms have spare room in their containers and are happy to help. Some travellers take a few boxes up as personal luggage.

Listen to an interview on glasses re-cycling by Jennie Vowles of Karori Lions on the radio.
https://star.net.nz/shows/show/article/lionsrecycleforsightproject


Spectacles can be sent to any one of the following:

Papakura Lions Club 
21 Youngs Road, Papakura 2110
Contact: Kevin Bromwich
T: (09) 298 1414
E: kevinbromwich(at)xtra.co.nz

Karori Lions Club
Tom Lumb
11A Lewer Street
Karori
Wellington 6012
T: (04) 934 3372  Mob 021 212 2781
E: jtomlumb(at)outlook.com


Cromwell Lions Clubs 

C/- Andy Andrews, 57 Horace Street, Cromwell, 9310
Contact: Andy Andrews
T: 021 842 346
E: ajandrews57(at)gmail.com​​​​​​​

Kindness Matters

We are 8000 men and women serving in clubs across New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, American Samoa and Fiji.  Use the button below to find your local club and send them a message directly.

Find and message your local club

Get in touch

Please contact our National Office if you have a general query. 

We aim to respond to you within 48 hours.

Contact Us