Low vision refers to that which cannot be improved by glasses or contact lenses only.  The most common cause is an aging condition of the eyes called age-related macular degeneration. However, young adults and children can be diagnosed as having low vision from congenital eye diseases. Others may develop low vision from complications of diabetes, or the effects of glaucoma.

 To learn about a new club service project – assisting patients to tele-conference with a Low Vision Center – Fairfax Lions visited the Center in Alexandria which provides rehabilitation services to individuals who are visually impaired; it offers a variety of tools and techniques. 

Fairfax Lions heard from a wonderful speaker at our Feb 4 dinner meeting – Rick Rigsby – by video presentation.

Rick builds on wisdom he acquired from his own dad…words like: “Son, you would rather be an hour early, than a minute late,” “Pride is the wisdom of a foolish person,” and “If you are going to do a job, do it right.”  Good words, reflecting the presentation theme – “The Wisdom of a Third Grade Dropout Will Change Your Life.”  You may watch the whole video presentation at:  https://www.rickrigsby.com/the-video

On February 1, 2020, five Fairfax Lions participated in our annual vision screening event at the Fairfax City Chocolate Lovers’ Festival.  We once again partnered with the Fairfax Kiwanis Club, on the 3rd floor of the main fire station. The Kiwanis Club served a delicious BBQ lunch, and the Lions Club checked peoples vision.  We screened 70 people and 39 of them (more than 50%) were children.  Several were teens helping the Kiwanis Club, and the rest with families…three of the children were pre-school (age 2-5).  A total of 12 (17% of total) were referred for follow-up exam with an eye doctor (2 of the 12 were children).  The Lions team enjoyed working with the Kiwanians again – both are wonderful service clubs – and we continue to look for ways to partner.  Those screened, once again, seemed amazed that we are able to provide this service and make it so easy and informative. The key is excellent screening equipment which we purchased with proceeds of past charity funds raisers – we thank our community for its support! WE SERVE.