Eye exams and eyeglasses are provided free of charge to Fairmont residents unable to pay for their own eye care. A screening process assures that these services are provided to those who are truly in need. The club arranges for a local optometrist to provide the eye exam and, if needed, prescription lenses and frames.

Periodic eye screening clinics are held at various locations. Open to all, these have been held at schools, business locations and in conjunction with our Lions Journey for Sight. Thanks to modern technology we are now able to screen for eye problems in preschoolers when eyes are still developing. In 2016, the club began vision screening of preschool children in local day care and child development facilities to screen for early childhood vision problems which can not only slow learning, but also possibly lead to blindness if not treated. We have screened hundreds of children. Early detection and proper follow-up can result in fewer vision problems as these children grow.

The club has provided white canes to our local blind residents to assist them in making their way safely. While driving, should you see a person walking with a white cane, please exercise caution.

Dog guides are used by the blind to assist them in navigating through traffic and in day-to-day activities. The club has provided financial support to two dog guide schools, Pilot Dogs, Inc. and Leader Dogs for the Blind. Local residents have been provided dog guides at no cost to the recipient by both of these facilities.

Campaign SightFirst and Campaign SightFirst II were world-wide Lions fund raisers that have resulted in prevention of vision loss for millions of people around the world, including 80 million treatments for river blindness. Millions had sight restored by cataract removal. Over 200 eye hospitals and clinics have been built and ophthalmologists and other professional eye care workers have received training. Lions are seeking to eradicate preventable blindness around the world. The Fairmont Lions Club has financially supported the SightFirst program.

The Fairmont Lions Club regularly disseminates educational information about diabetic eye disease, glaucoma and other eye health issues.

The Fairmont Lions Club collects your used eye wear for recycling. Used eyeglasses can be dropped in receptacles at Monongahela Valley Bank downtown or Price Cutter on Fairmont Avenue, as well as other locations including offices and churches, throughout the community. We send your old glasses to a Lions processing facility where they are cleaned, sorted and then used to provide improved sight to thousands in less well developed countries. Do you have an old pair or two sitting in a drawer? Thank you for donating them to the Lions. Because of your donation of used eyeglasses, somebody will be able to see better.