Transforming Lives: Celebrating the Impact of Saving Sight’s Charitable Grants in 2024

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:

• KidSight: $41,500
• Missouri Lions Eye Mission Foundation: $16,500
• Missouri Lions Eyeglass Recycling Program: $2,000

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.