Lions/National Eye Institute Resource Summit

I had the great pleasure of attending the Lions/NEI Resource Summit in Bethesda, Maryland, with 24 Lions, from all over the U.S., all involved in vision initiatives, for a full day of brainstorming and planning.

We reviewed the many vision educational resources currently available to our Lions members and for dispensing to the public. We created a laundry list of new ideas and looking forward to the fulfillment of the action plans of new resources.

I had a free afternoon and took advantage of a beautiful day to take the train into Washington D.C. with PID Dr. Dennis Cobler. We were able to pay tribute to our Veterans at many of our National Memorials. Thank You for YOUR service.

Lions of Michigan Vision Mission to Merida, Mexico

A team of 12, including six "rookies" travelled to Merida, Mexico in the Yucatan peninsula. It was great to be welcomed by the Merida Lions as we excited the plane.
In three days of clinic, we saw 945 patients and provided prescription glasses, sunglasses and needed medications for infections and glaucoma.

Forty patients were referred for follow-up cataract surgery and glaucoma maintenance. Lions Rodrigo and Alejandro were great hosts, as we were invited to Lions homes each night for a special home cooked dinner banquet.

It's incredible what can be accomplished in SERVICE with Lions working together, not speaking the same language, but doing everything possible to serve those in need. Thank you Lions of Merida for opening your homes and hearts to us.

Syracuse, New York 20-Y1

We had a great visit to mid-state New York with District Governor Scott and Stacy Renner. At the Melvin Jones Awards and Robert Uplinger dinner, I had the honor of meeting PID Bob Seibert.

We visited the Harrison Eye Clinic, under the inspired leadership of Dr. Haepner. Over 14,000 patient eyecare visits a year happen because of the support of the 20-Y1 Lions.

Then we saw the most fantastic eye research I have ever seen at the Upstate University Eye Research facility. This is also heavily supported by Lions. Currently, there are seven separate projects working on regenerating tissue in the retina which will lead to the solution of some of our most debilitating eye conditions like macular degeneration. Some earth shaking results will be coming out of this research within the next ten years.

There was a Cabinet meeting on Sunday. Governor Scott does a pushup for every meeting he attends as Governor as is now up to 24 pushups. He will be the strongest, most fit Governor in our Association this year!! I met some new Lions friends in VDGs Joe and Doug, CST Sue, Lion Max, Lion Wayne and great mentors in PDG Dr. Kerry and PDG Stan. It was also great to spend some time with old friends PDG Dr. Paul Weber and Wendy. Cooperstown next time.......