How the Lions Helped

Lions Clubs have long championed eye banks as a key to restoring sight to the blind and nearly blind


The Lions Clubs that established the Lions Medical Eye Bank and Research Center of Eastern Virginia in 1978, created an organization that has restored the sight to thousands of individuals in the Tidewater region of Virginia, across the United States, and throughout the world. Without the continued support and generosity of the Lions Clubs of the Tidewater region, we could not provide the precious gift of sight to thousands more in need.

Lions Clubs have long championed eye banks as a key to restoring sight to the blind and nearly blind. At the 1925 Lions Club International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, Helen Keller addressed the crowd of dedicated community servants. During this address, Helen Keller challenged the Lions to “Be the knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” Since that pivotal moment in history, the Lions have founded eye banks around the globe and established many successful initiatives with the goal of eradicating blindness. The crusade against darkness is continuous and today the Lions remain steadfast in their support of eye banking.

Become a Lion

If you are interested in serving your community and making a difference in the lives of others, consider becoming a Lion. The motto of Lions worldwide is “We serve.” The only requirement of being a Lions Club member is to live by this motto. To learn more about becoming a Lion, please visit the Lions Club website at https://www.lionsclubs.org where you will find links to clubs near you, who would welcome you with open arms.

In 1925, Helen 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.