Lions providing eyecare to local communities

Niagara Falls Community Lions Club press release & photos

The Niagara Falls Community Lions Club is providing free pop-up eye clinics this spring.

The first of two clinics was held Saturday, May 16, at The Salvation Army of Niagara Falls, and served more than 130 individuals from the Niagara Falls community and beyond. Several local clubs came together to ensure this effort was a success, including the Kenmore, Kenmore Better Vison, Youngstown, Lewiston Community, Grand Island, Olcott & Baker Lions clubs.

The clinic was staffed by New York state licensed ophthalmologists and optometrists. Attendees received prescription eyeglasses and lenses at absolutely no cost, with a wide selection of frames available on-site.

“This clinic provides essential vision services to individuals in our community who might otherwise go without care,” Club President Rob Nichols said. “We’re especially grateful to Maj. Andrew N. Murray and the Salvation Army of Niagara Falls for partnering with us once again to make this clinic possible.”

This was the fifth pop-up eye clinic hosted by the Niagara Falls Community Lions Club. Over the past five years, the club has distributed more than 550 pairs of prescription glasses to individuals and families in need.

Photo by Katewood Photography.

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A second free eye clinic, serving residents of the Niagara and Erie County communities, will take place Saturday, June 13, at Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare. Doors will open at 9 a.m. and attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We are excited to partner this year with Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare for this clinic,” said Joe Shiah, president of the Kenmore Better Vision Lions Club. “This marks the sixth year of a program that has generated an estimated community impact of more than $450,000 and provided over 1,500 prescription eyeglasses to individuals and families across three Western New York counties.”

For more information, to volunteer, or to support the Niagara Falls Community Lions Club, visit its Facebook page, email nfcommunitylions@gmail.com, or contact Nichols at 716-213-3295.