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The term low vision describes vision disorders that cannot be corrected with medical treatment, surgery or conventional eyeglasses. Causes of vision impairment include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other conditions associate with Aging. However, low vision also affects a growing number of children. Treatment of low vision involves the provision of special optical aids and adaptive devices, combined with rehabilitation services, to help individuals maximize their remaining vision.
The rapidly aging global population and other factors are contributing to a growing prevalence of permanent vision loss. For instance, one in four adults over age 75 in the United States now reports some form of significant vision impairment. The problem of low vision will only worsen because of global increases in life expectancy. Steps to expand low vision care and vision rehabilitation services must be taken now to prevent needless disability for millions of individuals in the coming decade.
Recognizing this challenge LCIF’s Core 4 Grants program offers Lions clubs around the word the opportunity to expand their commitment to supporting low vision services for the visually impaired. Core 4 grants will support projects that pursue one or more of the following program strategies:
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Expanding Low Vision Care and Services to Under-Served Populations
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Increasing Output of Existing Low Vision Clinics
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Improving Availability of Affordable Low Vision Aids and Devices
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Raising Awareness
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Reaching out to Children
Understanding the need for expanding low vision services in Lions District 24, the Fairfax Host Lions Club took the initiative to seek Core 4 Grant Funding. The club partnered with the Virginia Lions Eye Institute and Inova Health System. The grant was submitted in January 2005 and awarded in May 2005. The award amount was $75,000 with each partner contributing an additional $12,500 for a total of $100,000.
Funding from the CORE 4 grant focused on the following expansion of low vision services and community outreach for the Inova Hazel E. R. Widner Low Vision Center:
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Implementation of a transportation voucher system
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Support of a loaner program to provide temporary use of vision enhancing devices
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Development and implementation of a district-wide awareness and outreach campaign
Funding from CORE 4 allowed for expanded access to the center provided through the transportation voucher program. Many patients no longer drive and their spouse or friends may not drive either; making it difficult to get to their appointment. Should a patient be unable to secure a ride or afford to pay for a cab, arrangements are made for the patient and a companion to and from the appointment at no cost.
Devices to maximize one’s vision are often prescribed at the center. The loaner/training closet allows patients to borrow a piece of equipment, take it home and practice or train themselves to use it. After a two-week period the equipment is returned. If the patient finds the equipment beneficial, they may purchase their own device. For those who truly can’t afford to purchase a piece of equipment that works well for them, the patient may borrow the piece indefinitely. It is the intent of the center that patients will return items that are no longer of use to them so that the center can continue to provide these loaner items. Specifically, the CORE 4 dollars allow for purchasing replacement devices on a consistent basis as needed. The funding also provides for the purchasing of smaller devices for the increasing number of children served by the center.
The third area of low vision care being enhanced by CORE 4 grant funding is public education and efforts to increase community awareness. Through ongoing collaboration, the Hazel E.R. Widner website will be expanded to provide additional patient information, links to other pertinent websites and possibly a patient registry allowing a patient to try to find a peer with whom they share experiences and challenges.
This year, low vision center staff has presented information at over two dozen events such as health fairs, support groups, Lion’s Club meetings, and health care providers. Planning is underway to create an informative exhibit display for such events that serve to educate the public, facilitate access to services for those unaware and to elicit donations to the loaner/training closet.
Additionally, CORE 4 funding is helping to pay for a physician awareness campaign. An introductory letter to medical, social services and community leaders will be accompanied by a brochure. Funding has already paid for the printing of materials to be used in ongoing fundraising efforts.
While the relationship between the Inova Hazel E.R. Widner Low Vision Center and District 24-A is relatively new, the partnership has already had a tremendous positive impact on the low vision population of the greater Washington metropolitan area. As a result, the Core 4 team is now beginning to evaluate needs for the development of future LCIF Core 4 Grant Applications. For additional information on this District wide program please contact Lion Dennis Brining, Program Coordinator at 703-503-8019, or at
dlbent@aol.com.
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