Bishop Lions had an informational program at their late September board meeting which saw Lions learning more about their ongoing vision screening program, using special equipment which scans an individual’s eyes and prints out a report with findings to be taken to the individual’s optometrist.  Included in that recent program was an explanation of how  a lensometer works in the hands of a trained specialist.  The lensometer can readily identify the prescription “ground” into each lens of a set of eyeglasses.

The trained technician then scribes the identified prescription on each lens and processes the glasses for distribution to Lions International community outlets, usually a local Lions Club, where the glasses are assigned to already identified needy individuals with that particular prescription measured independently in advance.

Shown with his eyes just above the camera level is 2024-2025 Bishop Lions President Steve Cupp, presenting Lion Dr. Perez with a stylized logo Bishop Lions pin, as a token of appreciation from the Bishop Lions for the program.

Lions in Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Lone Pine and Independence have local access to a “loaner set” of vision screening equipment which includes the scanner and report printer.  Following the free no-obligation individual scan the findings report is handed by a Lion volunteer to the person and then taken to the individual’s choice of optometrist for confirmation of findings and evaluation of prescription needed and determination of choice of eyeglasses.  This Lion screening can be conducted on early school-age children, older students, and adults, usually ranging from 6 months of age to approximately 80.

Bishop Lions invite you to donate your outdated eyeglasses to any Lion member or use one of the various collection boxes in Bishop at certain stores or at the offices of Dr. Erick Richamn or Dr. Tom Reid.  Questions about Lions International eyeglass recycling or vision screening assistance can be directed in Bishop to Past President Barb Smith (760-937-2272), who coordinates the school vision needs inquiries as well as community needs requests.

You have an opportunity to bring those outdated eyeglasses with you this Saturday if you plan on attending the Fall Colors Car Show in Bishop City Park.  Bishop Lions will be serving a $ 12 all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast for adults, from 8am to 10am, and children under 5 are free.

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