Vision Services in Connecticut Lions

Serving Sight. Preventing Blindness. Transforming Lives.

Across Connecticut, Lions members in Districts 23A, 23B, and 23C are united in one powerful mission: protecting vision and preventing avoidable blindness. Through three cornerstone programs — KidSight, CLERF, and Lions Low Vision Centers — Connecticut Lions have created a comprehensive system of care that spans prevention, early detection, treatment assistance, and lifelong support.

KidSight: Protecting a Child’s Vision Before It’s Too Late

Every Connecticut Lions district actively participates in the KidSight Program, a statewide initiative focused on early vision screening for children ages 6 months to 6 years.

Using advanced photo-screening technology, Lions volunteers visit:

• Preschools

• Head Start programs

• Elementary schools

• Community health fairs

These non-invasive screenings detect vision problems such as:

• Amblyopia (lazy eye)

• Astigmatism

• Nearsightedness and farsightedness

• Eye alignment disorders

Why KidSight Matters

Many children with vision problems show no obvious signs. Without early detection, these issues can permanently affect learning, reading ability, behavior, and long-term eye health.

Through KidSight, Connecticut Lions have:

• Screened tens of thousands of children across all districts

• Identified vision concerns early and referred families to eye-care professionals

• Helped prevent lifelong visual impairment

• Improved academic success and quality of life for hundreds of children each year

This program is entirely volunteer-driven and provided free to families — ensuring access regardless of income or insurance status.

District A, B, and C Lions work collaboratively to expand KidSight coverage and ensure no child slips through the cracks.

KidSight is not just about screening — it’s about changing the trajectory of a child’s future.

CLERF: Turning Donations into Life-Changing Vision Grants

The Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation (CLERF) is the financial engine behind much of the state’s vision work. Supported by donations and fundraising efforts from Lions clubs across all districts, CLERF provides critical grants that directly impact Connecticut residents.

What CLERF Grants Have Achieved

Through CLERF funding, Lions have supported:

• Purchase of advanced eye-screening equipment for schools and community programs

• Vision care for uninsured and underinsured individuals

• Eye surgeries and medical assistance for those unable to afford treatment

• Support for low-vision rehabilitation programs

• Research and education aimed at preventing blindness

CLERF dollars remain in Connecticut and are reinvested directly into local communities — turning Lions generosity into measurable impact for real people.

From restoring sight to improving mobility and independence, CLERF ensures that financial limitations never stand between a person and their ability to see.

Lions Low Vision Centers: Restoring Independence & Dignity

For individuals living with permanent vision loss, Connecticut Lions support a network of Low Vision Centers that provide specialized tools, training, and professional services to help people adapt and thrive.

These centers offer:

• Vision assessments and evaluations

• Adaptive technology and magnification devices

• Training in daily living skills

• Reading aids and mobility support

• Personalized rehabilitation plans

The Impact of Lions Low Vision Services

Clients gain:

• Greater independence in their homes

• Ability to continue reading, cooking, and working

• Improved safety and confidence

• Reduced isolation and renewed quality of life

Where sight cannot be fully restored, Lions ensure hope, dignity, and functionality remain.

A Unified Vision Across Districts A, B, and C

While Districts A, B, and C serve different regions of Connecticut, their commitment to vision care is shared and seamless. Together, they form a statewide network that:

• Protects children’s vision through KidSight

• Funds critical eye care through CLERF

• Supports lifelong independence via Low Vision Centers

• Advocates tirelessly for the importance of eye health

This coordinated effort showcases the depth of Lions service — proving that when Lions focus on vision, lives are changed, futures are protected, and communities are strengthened.

See the Difference. Be the Difference.
Join the Connecticut Lions and help protect the sight of our neighbors, our children, and our future generations. Your time, compassion, and commitment can change a life — sometimes forever. Whether you want to volunteer locally, support vision programs, or simply learn more, there is a place for you in the Lions family.

👉 Discover how you can get involved today:
Explore local clubs. Volunteer. Become a Lion.