Lions Clubs offer free eyeglasses to those in need
Jul. 13—The St. Joseph Lions Clubs partnered with several organizations to provide free eyeglasses to community residents who otherwise would go without.
Before, the St. Joseph Lions Clubs were only able to assist those who did not have qualifying insurance to obtain eye glasses, but starting Aug. 1, the groups will expand their program to assist children and qualifying adult Medicaid and Medicare recipients.
The St. Joseph Lions Clubs have partnered with local glasses stores such as the Spec Shoppe and O'Bryan Eye Care, as well as the AFL-CIO Community Services, to provide this service.
Nichi Seckinger, AFL-CIO executive director, said the reason for the program expansion is because they had the funds to support more community members than they were before.
"We have a lot of folks that have the Medicare or Medicaid coverage," Seckinger said. "But either they'll lose glasses, their prescription won't be correct for the two-year window that they have. You know, they'll need a change or something will happen to their glasses will be damaged or broken or something, and they'll need them replaced. And Medicare and Medicaid don't provide for that at all."
Residents who wish to participate in the free eyeglasses program should reach out to AFL-CIO Community Services at www.helpmenow.org to schedule an eye exam and fitting.
