Since 1987, through the generosity of Venice residents, Alfred and Ingeborg Keerl, the Venice and Englewood Lions Clubs sponsor a Vision Screening and Treatment program for area residents. Offered in cooperation with the Venice Medical Center and area doctors, the Eye Care Program offers everything from vision screening and surgeries to eye glasses at no cost to those meeting certain financial guidelines.   The results of the tests are screenings. For more definitive information about any possible visual problem, the client should be examined by a private physician.

 

Any person, adult or child, living in Venice or Englewood can receive vision care after proving financial eligibility and residency.

 

The first step is to determine financial eligibility. Contact the Venice and Englewood Lions Club’s Vision Center at 941-486-6065. Applicants must have information on monthly income and expenses to prove eligibility. A picture ID and proof of residency is also required.

 

After the application is approved, applicants will be scheduled and contacted by mail for an upcoming vision-screening appointment. Screenings are held the first Thursday of each month at the Venice and Englewood Lions Club’s Vision Center, Venice Health Park, Jacaranda Blvd and Center Road in Venice.

Along with vision screening and a glaucoma examination, blood pressure and blood-sugar monitoring are offered. The blood-sugar test is particularly important in the identification of diabetes. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness. A hearing test is also offered.

If screening personnel determine that further care is required, participants will be referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrist who is participating in the program. Any eye surgery that might be necessary will be performed at facilities approved and covered by the Lions program. Examinations and glasses are provided every two years.