This year, Saving Sight is proud to recognize Lion Leon Hove as the 2025 Lions Ambassador of the Year, a title that reflects not only his decades of service but also his enduring passion for helping others see more clearly.
Leon first became involved with the Lions in the mid-1970s through the Joliet Noon Lions Club in Illinois. What began as a suggestion from his boss, a past president of the club, quickly turned into a lifelong commitment. But it wasn’t until Leon screened a child for amblyopia using the old Polaroid method, and saw her again months later, proudly wearing glasses and able to see better, that he truly “became a Lion.”
That moment sparked a passion for vision that has guided his service for nearly 50 years.
“I don’t do the things I do for recognition or awards,” Leon says. “It’s enough for me to see the smiles and joy of those we serve. I receive more pleasure from that than they do.”
Leon has dedicated countless hours to vision programs, including KidSight screenings and international eye missions in Mexico and Panama. In 2018, he helped found the Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation, creating a 501(c)(3) organization to expand access to vision care. While COVID-19 initially paused those efforts, the foundation pivoted, and in 2024 alone, the Missouri Lions hosted 37 missions serving more than 2,500 people. The momentum continues to grow, with Lions in neighboring states now seeking to bring similar missions to their communities.
A particularly meaningful milestone came in November 2024, when Leon helped lead a clinic at St. Peter and Paul Church in St. Louis, providing recycled eyeglasses to 33 unhoused individuals.
“That was the start of something beyond my wildest dreams,” he says.
Leon’s commitment to vision is also personal. He saw firsthand the challenges his late wife faced due to corneal disease, and he reflects often on what it would mean to lose the ability to see the people and world around him. Now, at nearly 84 years old, he’s still advocating, volunteering and working toward change — even as he prepares to relocate to Arizona to be closer to his daughter.
“I’ve learned Arizona has laws that prohibit the distribution of recycled eyeglasses,” he says. “That’s my new goal — to help change that. There is such a huge need.”
As part of his ambassador recognition, a $1,000 donation was made to the Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation, a gesture Leon says is the most meaningful part of the award.
“The fact that it will help buy equipment and supplies to continue our work means everything to me,” he says. “If being named Ambassador of the Year inspires even one person to serve, that would be the greatest accomplishment of all.”
In 1960, Saving Sight began its journey of restoring vision through charitable vision programs, showing a commitment to community needs and a spirit of generosity. While the delivery of our programs has evolved, our legacy of giving continues to thrive through our mission partners. In 2021, Saving Sight’s board of directors established a board-designated quasi-endowment fund to support grants given to charitable organizations with a similar mission. We are proud to share the impact of grants given to four outstanding organizations in fiscal year 2023-2024: Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation, KidSight, Show Me Lions Eyeglass Recycling, and Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service.
KidSight – $41,500
KidSight used this grant in general operating support, allowing the organization to expand its free vision screenings and follow-up services for children statewide. So far this year, KidSight has screened more than 43,000 children, an increase of over 4,000 from the previous year, and referred nearly 3,900 to local eye doctors for full exams. The program now serves 100 Missouri counties, up from 94 last year, and continues to grow. With additional grant support, KidSight also partnered with local eyecare providers and hosted mobile vision clinic days in Boone and Jackson counties, delivering 37 free eye exams and 36 pairs of glasses to students in need.
Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation – $16,500
Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation utilized this grant to purchase new digital fundus cameras and vision screeners—equipment that allowed them to have two sets of identical equipment for events across the state. So far, the foundation has hosted 21 mission events with 19 more scheduled, enabling greater access to care in every Lions district. The new tools have also inspired a renewed sense of purpose and energy among volunteers, strengthening the reach and impact of Lions Clubs across Missouri.
Show Me Lions Eyeglass Recycling – $2,000
Show Me Lions Eyeglass Recycling used this grant to improve building accessibility and enhance warehouse functionality. Upgrades included restroom grab bars, improved signage, and new shelving to better organize recycled eyeglasses. The center also added essential equipment like a pallet jack and hand truck to support the transport of eyeglass deliveries and shipments. Thousands of bags, printer supplies, and cleaning tools were also purchased. Much of the labor and supplemental materials were donated by volunteers, reflecting the center’s deep roots in community support and service.
Saving Sight’s board of directors remains committed to supporting our mission partners in their efforts to restore vision and improve lives. At their most recent meeting in June 2025, Saving Sight’s board granted the following additional funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year:
• KidSight – $30,000 • Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation – $13,000 • Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service – $9,500 • Show Me Lions Eyeglass Recycling Program – $7,500
The grants provided this year have empowered these organizations to expand their services, enhance their capabilities, and serve more individuals in need. We are proud of the collective impact we have made and look forward to continuing our legacy of changing lives by saving sight for years to come.
For Lonna, a cornea transplant meant the difference between a life half‐seen and life brought back into clear focus. Her journey began when routine eye discomfort revealed a deeper problem: a scarred cornea that made everyday life “very fuzzy,” she said, and left her legally blind in one eye.
Her ophthalmologist referred Lonna to Saving Sight corneal surgeon partner Dr. Thomas in Springfield, MO, and Lonna didn’t hesitate. “I wanted it right away,” she recalled. Tests confirmed that without intervention, she risked losing vision permanently. Within weeks, Lonna sat in the operating room—awake but at ease—watching the team at work.
The procedure took less than 30 minutes, and Lonna felt almost nothing. By her first follow-up, she’d read two more lines on the eye chart. “I have had zero issues, and it’s just been amazing,” she said. Six months later, Dr. Thomas told her the transplant was “textbook perfect.”
Lonna’s renewed sight has already changed her daily life. She’s back to reading books before bed and driving to her grandchildren’s school plays without hesitation. But more than that, she’s rediscovered the simple joys she once took for granted—like watching the sunrise in her backyard. “I couldn’t see well at all,” she said. “Now I notice every leaf on the trees.”
Throughout her recovery, Lonna has carried deep gratitude for the donor hero who made her new cornea possible. “Someone selflessly gave me the gift of sight,” she said. “It’s overwhelming.” That gratitude, she hopes, will inspire others to register as donors. “You might be able to change someone’s world just by checking that box,” she said.
Lonna’s journey reminds us that a single choice can have a lasting impact. “I tell everyone: sign up for the registry, you never know whose life you could change,” she said. Through her restored sight, she hopes countless others will discover that same gift—and that more lives will be brought into focus.
At Saving Sight, we are proud to recognize the Lions who embody the spirit of service through their dedication to changing lives by saving sight. This year’s 2025 Lions Ambassador of the Year Award nominees inspire all of us with their passion, leadership, and impact across Missouri and beyond.
Lion Glendon Sattler nominated by DG Wendetta Williams
Lion Glendon Sattler has been a driving force behind the Perryville Lions Club’s volunteerism with the KidSight program since 2019. Thanks to his leadership, screenings now reach all preschools and school districts in Perry County. Since 2019, 1,946 children have been screened, with more than 200 referred for further care, ensuring a brighter future for countless young lives.
Lion Mary Jane Noellsch nominated by DG Carol Deters
Lion Mary Jane Noellsch leads with heart and commitment. Since 2019, she has helped “Team Bowling Green” conduct 155 screenings for more than 8,400 children. Her nursing background brings exceptional expertise and compassion to every screening. Beyond the field, she has served on the KidSight board, strengthening the organization at every level.
PDG Leon Hove nominated by DG Frank Lambrecht, DG Michelle Foster, and the Saving Sight Board of Directors
PDG Leon Hove is a tireless champion for the Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation. Since joining Lions in 1977, Lion Leon’s work has helped expand access to eye care locally and internationally. From transporting box after box of eyeglasses to leading eye missions across Missouri, Panama, and Mexico, Leon’s commitment leaves a legacy. His role in establishing the Missouri Lions Eye Mission as a 501(c)(3) organization demonstrates his visionary leadership.
PDG Wayne Cunningham and Lion Susan Cunningham nominated by VCC Tina Anderson
PDG Wayne Cunningham and Lion Susan Cunningham exemplify service through action. Together, they have screened an incredible 18,500 children across preschools, schools, and daycares. Often traveling multiple days a week and covering two to three locations per day, they bring the Lions’ motto “We Serve” to life in a powerful way.
Karen Noel nominated by DG Mikey Beach
Karen Noel has forged a strong partnership with the Lions through her leadership in organizing community eye missions in the Kansas City area. Her vision also brought about a project to recycle eyeglasses at Catholic Charities’ new headquarters, helping to expand the Lions’ impact and sustainability efforts.
PDG Devin Struttmann nominated by CC Sherl Horton
PDG Devin Struttmann has been instrumental in growing the eye mission program statewide. His leadership and infectious enthusiasm have inspired many to join the cause, allowing more individuals, both children and adults, to receive the gift of sight.
Each of these remarkable Lions has strengthened our mission and touched countless lives along the way. We are proud to honor these nominees who give so much of themselves in service to others. They embody the very best of who the Lions are: compassionate, committed, and united in service to others. Congratulations to our 2025 nominees and thank you for helping change lives by saving sight!
Saving Sight, a national leader in eye banking services, announced that it has entered a new partnership to serve the state of Arkansas alongside Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA), the state’s federally designated organ procurement organization. The new partnership began October 7, 2024, and will focus on maximizing the gift of sight through eye donation and transplantation in Arkansas communities.
In this new partnership, Saving Sight will process and distribute ocular tissues for transplantation recovered by the ARORA team. Those tissues will be offered to surgeons performing sight-saving corneal transplants in Arkansas, regionally, and beyond.
As a northern geographical neighbor to ARORA, Saving Sight has a history of serving corneal transplant patients in Arkansas communities who see physicians in the Missouri Ozarks. In 2023, Saving Sight provided tissues for transplant to 69 individuals throughout the state of Arkansas – a number that will grow exponentially over the next year.
“A key ingredient of our work at Saving Sight is stewardship of the gift of donation,” said Tony Bavuso, CEO of Saving Sight. “We are thrilled to work with a like-minded partner like ARORA to ensure the impact of each Arkansan’s gift of sight is truly life-changing for others in their community and beyond.”
Mark Tudor, president and CEO of ARORA affirmed Bavuso’s sentiments adding, “We are very thankful for our partnership with Saving Sight for providing us with another avenue to honor every donation.” Tudor, who is also a donor family member, added “as a donor father whose daughter was a corneal donor, I can truly say that cornea donation provides families like mine an opportunity to change the world through a different lens.”
About Saving Sight
Saving Sight is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to change lives by saving sight. Founded in 1960, Saving Sight has become one of the nation’s leading eye banks and is focused on providing innovative solutions to its clinical partners. Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Saving Sight facilitates eye donation in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois, impacting the lives of those both near and far through transplantation.
About ARORA
ARORA was established in 1987 as a nonprofit, accredited organ procurement agency. Serving 64 counties across the state, ARORA is headquartered in Little Rock and has a satellite office in northwest Arkansas. ARORA’s mission is to restore lives through the recovery of organs and tissues for transplant. Learn more at www.arora.org.
In 1960, Saving Sight began its journey of restoring vision through charitable vision programs, showing a commitment to community needs and a spirit of generosity. While the delivery of our programs has evolved, our legacy of giving continues to thrive through our mission partners. In 2021, Saving Sight’s board of directors established a board-designated quasi-endowment fund to support grants given to charitable organizations with a similar mission. We are proud to share the impact of grants given to four outstanding organizations in fiscal year 2023-2024: Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation, KidSight, Show Me Lions Eyeglass Recycling, and Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service.
Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation – $7,000
Upon receipt of the grant money, the Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation purchased two Titmus V4 Vision Screeners. The total cost was $8,952.63, with the foundation contributing an additional $1,952.63. These state-of-the-art screeners have significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of their vision screenings at mission events. To date, they have screened 239 individuals and have 17 more events planned, where they expect to serve hundreds or even thousands more.
KidSight – $43,000
KidSight utilized this grant for general operating expenses, enabling them to screen 39,943 children at 643 events and refer 3,674 children for potential vision disorders. Among those referred, 897 were at high risk for developing amblyopia. KidSight’s staff assisted 72 families with one-on-one referral navigation services, ensuring children received the necessary care. Additionally, partnerships with Zenni Optical and the Kansas City Free Eye Clinic (KCFEC) were established to eliminate barriers to care. The collaboration with Zenni Optical has provided glasses to eight families, while the mobile vision clinic with KCFEC served 238 students and provided free on-site vision exams to 11 students. These initiatives not only address immediate vision needs but also gather crucial data to improve KidSight’s screening program and advocate for early vision screenings.
Show Me Lions Eyeglass Recycling – $5,000
The Show Me Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center used the grant to enhance the safety, usability, and longevity of their facility. Major upgrades included new LED lighting in work areas, a new handrail for the primary entrance, exterior lighting for entrances and emergency exits, additional fire extinguishers, and new guttering. These improvements, partially completed by Lions volunteers, ensure a safer and more efficient environment for processing donated eyeglasses. The total cost of these projects was $5,566.76, with the grant covering a portion of the expenses.
Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service – $5,000
Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service expressed their gratitude for the support from Saving Sight, which enabled them to assist several Missouri residents with vision care. This fiscal year, they have seen 49 patients from Missouri and have paid a total of $6,924.00 for three patients’ bills. The grant from Saving Sight was instrumental in covering these costs, allowing Mid-South Lions to stretch their resources and provide essential care. The patients received significant financial assistance, demonstrating the impact these grants can make.
Saving Sight’s board of directors remains committed to supporting our mission partners in their efforts to restore vision and improve lives. At their most recent meeting in June 2024, Saving Sight’s board granted the following additional funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year:
The grants provided this year have empowered these organizations to expand their services, enhance their capabilities, and serve more individuals in need. We are proud of the collective impact we have made and look forward to continuing our legacy of giving in the years to come.
At Saving Sight, we are proud to recognize the Lions who embody the spirit of service through their dedication to changing lives by saving sight. This year’s 2025 Lions Ambassador of the Year Award nominees inspire all of us with their passion, leadership, and impact across Missouri and beyond.
