Opening Eyes, Medfest was held on Wednesday, September 29^th at the United Center and as each new year rolls around there is always another story to tell. This year it was Mario who was the first child screened by my daughters Colleen and Amy, who make this day a part of their volunteer schedule through work each year. Mario was about 9 years old sat down and Amy showed him the screening card He said there was a circle, a square, a house and the fourth was “love” – that is what the heart and/or apple meant to him. Amy asked him again what the items were and he again said “love” was the fourth item. Mario began his test and passed it flying colors while saying each time the fourth item was “love”. 

 

Each year it is different – there is always one child who makes your day perfect and each year it is always different.

 

There were some 30 Lion volunteers some of who had not participated in this very special community service event before. They all pitched in and were really amazed what they were seeing and doing. I am sure they will be back again next year.

 

There were also the four young students from the ICO campus who came and mugged a bit for the camera before the day got under way. They were from all over the country a combination of first year and third students who were eager to help and add their expertise to the screenings – and what a great “hands on” learning tool this is for them.

 

There were children all ages - all nationalities - some in wheel chairs - and some who could not verbalize. There were at least six (6) different types of vision testing along with a full review of any potential problems by a full group of eye doctors and students and many of the students left with glasses or sun glasses. They were also treated to lunch and a chance to watch the Black Hawks working out while they waited their turn to go through the lines for physicals and eye screenings.

 

On September 19, 2010 in Warsaw, Poland, Lions Clubs International celebrated 10 years of global partnership with Special Olympics on the Opening Eyes program. During the 2010 Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia Regional Games, taking place in Warsaw that week, Lions were expecting to screen the 200,000th athlete through the partnership program.   This is truly an enviable record and makes you proud to be a part of an organization who participates in these types of global partnerships and makes you understand why you are and continue to be Lions!

 

In a communication received from Melissa Sigler, Clinical Director, Illinois Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Eyes Program – the following statistics were given -

 

Statistics after the completion of the 2010 Opening Eyes at the United Center indicated that there were 177 athletes screened, 632 pairs of lenses and frames were given out, and 81 athletes were referred for additional eye care.  Volunteers at the screening event were made up of 39 ICO students, 14 optometrists, 6 ICO staff members and family members, and 27 Chicagoland Lions Club Members.” 

 

The date for next year’s event has not been scheduled as yet but the Lions will be informed as soon as the date is known.