The Farmville Lions Club will be accepting used eyeglasses and hearing aids along with monetary donations during the annual White Cane Days on Friday and Saturday at various locations in Farmville. The Lions organization is recognized for its  active service to the blind, the visually impaired and hearing impaired by supplying glasses and hearing aids to those in need in Farmville, Prince Edward and Cumberland.

Locally Lions have purchased a hand-held Pedia Vision instrument used in area school systems and with other groups to screen children for possible vision disorders.  Some Lions have been trained to administer the testing, which is free, takes only a few minutes, and provides printed information to follow up with an eye care specialist if a vision problem is detected. The testing done so far has shown that about 10 percent of the students have visual difficulties that need to be addressed. Vision issues detected include near or far-sightedness, structural problems, blurred vision and amblyopia, known as lazy eye.  It is critical for young people get the correction or treatment needed in order to function both academically as well as socially.   

Each year used eyeglasses are collected and taken to Roanoke where they are evaluated for recycling and distribution in Appalachia or third world countries.  At the free medical clinics held in Southwest Virginia last year, over 900 citizens benefited by receiving free glasses provided by state Lions. Some other programs that Lions support include Leader Dogs, Old Dominion Eye Bank, Virginia Hearing Foundation, FACES, Meals On Wheels, Habitat, Prince Edward Youth Association, Area 12 Special Olympics and STEPS.

Programs and eligibility requirements vary according to need. For more information, contact a member of the Farmville Lions Club or visit www.farmvillelionsclub.com. White Cane Days donations and those mailed to Farmville Lions, P.O. Box 128, Farmville, 23901, help Lions better serve the community.