Amblyopia Program Celebrates 100,000 Children Screened
The Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation is proud to announce that in December 2007, the Amblyopia Prevention
program reached a milestone by screening 100,000 Missouri children since the program began in 1995.
According to the National Prevention of Blindness, almost 80 percent of preschool children never receive an eye exam. MLERF’s Amblyopia Prevention program has been an effective tool in filling that void, both in identifying amblyopia and emphasizing the importance of regular eye exams for young children.
To keep the program running successfully, Lions are needed to help facillitate screenings. If you are interested in 
volunteering for Amblyopia screenings, or would like to schedule a screening in your area, please contact Tina Twenter at 1-800-753-2265.
MLERF would like to thank the countless number of Lions who contributed their time and dedication to making the Amblyopia program a success. We look forward to many more years of sight-saving work with the Missouri Lions!
MLERF Donates Funds for Ophthalmology Research
The MLERF Board of Directors voted to approve a $25,000 donation at the December board meeting for use by the University of Missouri’s Department of Ophthalmology. The donation will be used to purchase an electroretinogram (ERG).
An ERG machine is used to test the function of a patient’s retina, or the thin layer of cells that lines the inside of the eye. During an ERG test, the cells of the retina (called rods and cones) produce electricity in response to flashes of light. By determining how much light is entering the eye, and how much electricity is released, an ophthalmologist can gauge how well the rods and cones are working.
Results from an ERG test aid in distinguishing between different retinal diseases and will help the ophthalmologist to more accurately diagnose a patient’s retinal disease.
MLERF Introduces New Fundraising Tool with Life's a Trip Photo Albums
As part of our new Smiles For Screening fundraising program, the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation and Van Gogh School Photography have introduced a new fundraising component called Album$ 4 Extra$.
This new concept is in collaboration with Van Gogh’s newest division, Life’s a Trip Albums. By visiting www.lifesatripalbums.com, you and your family and friends can upload digital pictures and create memory books. These colorful books allow you an easy way to organize your photos and preserve your special memories.
Van Gogh is offering a great fundraising partnership to Missouri Lions clubs and MLERF, similar to the Smiles for Screening concept. With every memory book sold, Van Gogh will donate $4, two dollars going to MLERF and the other two dollars going to your Lions club for its fundraising efforts.
During January, Lions will receive a letter further explaining the program and a code to enter in on the Life’s A Trip Albums Web site. This code ensures that your specific Lions Club is credited for the purchase. If you have any questions before then, contact Kristen Meier at 314-428-4373 ext. 115 or email to kmeier@mlerf.org.
Upcoming Events
January 2008 is is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of the debilitating eye disease that afflicts over 3 million Americans. To schedule a screening in your area, go to the MLERF Web site.
Looking for more detailed information on our upcoming amblyopia and glaucoma screenings? Visit our screening calendar online.