"Lionism'', local clubs have dedicated themselves to the treatment and prevention of blindness in the Island.

Since 1971, Bermudians with sight problems have received active support from the Lions Clubs, ranging from a pair of glasses for a school child who cannot see the blackboard, to emergency overseas surgery for an accident victim.

The Bermuda Lions Sight Conservation Committee provides financial assistance, information and telephone numbers, and often contacts hospitals or doctors on behalf of people with vision problems.

The committee's chairperson, Mrs. Jane Amaral, said without the generosity and support of the general public, they would be unable to offer this much-needed aid.

One of the major sources of funding for the local eye care programme is the annual two-day White Cane Tag Day which is held each spring.

Lions, Lionesses and Leos are hoping to break previous tag day records this year when they take to the streets on March 19 and 20.

The Sight Conservation Committee is responsible for ensuring that the money collected from the tag day and other donations is put to its best use.

Each request made to the committee is kept confidential, and is thoroughly reviewed and checked in order to establish that there is a legitimate need for assistance.

The committee receives inquiries from school counsellors, head teachers, the Social Assistance Department, Medical Social Services, Lions and Lioness Clubs and individuals who call the organisations' information number.

Last year, "at least'' 58 Bermudians received assistance from the Lions, who provided everything from prescription glasses and eye examinations to overseas trips for assessments and surgery.

A total of 39 people have been helped by the programme so far this year. The Lions sight conservation programme made it possible for two Bermudians to have their sight restored by cornea transplants.

Mr. Joseph Ferreira, current secretary/treasurer of the Paget Club and a Lion for 35 years, recalled one of those cases which especially touched him. He said the AME Church had launched an appeal for $20,000, which was needed to cover the expenses of a young parishioner who required a cornea transplant.

The Hamilton Lions mobilised, and through a Lions Club in New York, they secured the services of a surgeon who offered to do the operation for free.

The church need only pay for the hospitalisation.

Two years later, members of the Hamilton Lions were invited to a thanksgiving service at the church.

"Low and behold, the young lady who had received the cornea transplant was reading the lesson,'' Mr. Ferreira said. "Two years before, she couldn't have even seen the Bible, much less be able to read it.

"All I can say is, when one is a part of something so significant, it has an impact on the rest of your life.'' Another result of local Lions "networking'' with overseas clubs has been the accommodation, transportation and other assistance provided for a Bermuda teenager who has undergone over 20 surgical procedures for eye problems.

One sightless seven-year-old child has received help from the Sight Conservation Committee since infancy, and the child's mother was introduced to a support group for families with blind children through the Lions of New York.

In addition, Bermuda Lions and Lioness Clubs have obtained numerous items over the years for the visually challenged citizens of the Island.

TAG DAY -- Former Governor of Bermuda Sir Desmond Langley and Lady Langley (centre) bought the first tags for the Lions White Cane tag day last year from Mrs. Jane Amaral, chairman of the sight conservation committee, and past zone chairman Mr. Stuart Pearson. This year's tag day will take place on March 19 and 20. All proceeds from the sale will go to the sight conservation committee, which offers assistance to Bermudians who are in need of eye care.

SPIRIT OF GIVING -- In keeping with their dedication to the visually challenged, the Hamilton Lions and Lioness Clubs donated almost $9,000 to the Bermuda Society of the Blind last October. The funds were raised at a midsummer barbecue and raffle held by the clubs. Pictured (from left) are Hamilton Lions president Mr. Dudley Cottingham, Mrs. Jean Gallagher of the Bermuda Society for the Blind, Hamilton Lioness first vice-president Mrs. Joan Munro, and barbecue committee chairman Mr. Larry Dixon.