Lions Vision Services is continuing and expanding its work to end blindness in poverty in Dorchester County. Eyeglasses, eye surgery, vision technology, and vision screenings are available for free to Dorchester County residents who have total household income of approximately 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines and who have been a South Carolina resident for at least 1 year. Residents interested in receiving services can contact LVS at (803) 796-1304 or by email at [email protected].

Support for this expansion of LVS services in Dorchester County is made possible by generous grant funding from various funds at Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, including the Dorchester County Fund, Open Grants, and the Volvo Car U.S. Operations Grant Fund.

LVS has seen growth in every major eye health program, except vision screenings due to pandemic restrictions, over the last year. While clients in some SC counties experience a delay in services due to limited funding and an abundance of demand, CCF grants have significantly reduced wait times for Lowcountry clients. On average LVS clients experience a 45% increase in quality of life and a 75% increase in understanding of the importance of vision health following participation in LVS programs.

With a statewide network of partners including ophthalmologists, anesthesiologists, and surgery centers who assist LVS in providing affordable eye surgeries, LVS can leverage every $1 raised into an additional $4 in services, yielding a significant ROI for investors.

LVS encourages individuals in Dorchester County who are interested in receiving these services to contact LVS staff at (803) 796-1304 or [email protected].

***

Lions Vision Services (LVS) was created by the Lions Clubs of South Carolina in 1969 and exists today to empower the under-served blind and visually impaired in South Carolina to live safe, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. LVS offers a range of programs and services to low-income South Carolina residents who apply for need-based financial assistance with obtaining affordable eye surgeries, vision technology, vision screenings, and hearing aids. To learn more about LVS’s services, visit www.lionsvisionservices.org.