A Legacy of Service. A Future of Impact.
For more than a century, Lions have been united by a simple but powerful mission: to protect and restore sight and hearing for those in need.
That mission was forever shaped in 1925, when Helen Keller stood before Lions and issued a heartfelt challenge, to become “Knights of the Blind.” Lions accepted that call, and it continues to guide our work today.
A Global Commitment to Care
In 1990, Lions Clubs International launched the SightFirst initiative—an ambitious effort to combat preventable and reversible blindness worldwide.
Since then, more than 544 million people have been impacted through vision screenings, treatments, and life-changing care. Through partnerships with healthcare providers and organizations across the globe, Lions continue to expand access to critical services for those who need them most.
Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation
Here in our region, the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) brings that global mission
close to home through three key areas:
Screen
OLSHF operates one of the premier school vision screening programs in the nation, reaching over 200,000 students each year.
Treat
Through strong partnerships with healthcare providers, individuals
gain access to:
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Preventative screenings and exams
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Eyeglasses and hearing aids
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Affordable, innovative treatments
Restore
For those facing serious challenges, OLSHF connects patients with world-class professionals to provide life-changing surgeries when no other options exist.
Why Hearing Matters
We believe hearing healthcare is a right—not a privilege.
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Nearly 48 million Americans experience hearing loss
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The average cost of a single hearing aid exceeds $2,500
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Most insurance plans provide little to no coverage
Through partnerships with leading manufacturers and providers, OLSHF helps low-income and uninsured individuals receive brand-new hearing aids, restoring not just sound,but connection, confidence, and quality of life.
The Dalles Lions Club: Service in Action
Right here in our community, the The Dalles Lions Club is proud to carry this mission forward.
Youth Vision Screening
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1,600+ students screened this year (2026)
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27 dedicated Lions volunteers
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Multiple children identified with significant vision issues,now able to receive care
As District Governor Tim McGlothin said:
“If a student can’t see, they can’t learn.”
Working alongside OLSHF’s Lead Screening and Development Coordinator, Brad King, our team even set an MD36 record,screening 167 students in just 30 minutes. It was a powerful example of what teamwork and service can accomplish.
Local Sight & Hearing Support (Current Year)
Through our club’s Sight & Hearing program, we provide direct financial assistance to community members in need:
Sight Assistance -16 applicants,13 approved. Estimated support: $1,060
Hearing Assistance - 2 applicants, 2 approved Estimated support: $1,200
Total Program Budget: $5,500
Each number represents a life changed, someone who can now see more clearly, hear more fully, and engage more completely in the world around them.
Get Help with Sight & Hearing, Apply Here.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with vision or hearing care, we’re here to help.
Start with an Application Download and complete the appropriate application form to begin the process.
Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Members:
If you are covered by the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), please:
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Schedule and complete your eye exam first.
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Once your exam is complete, our club may be able to assist with the cost of eyeglasses.
Have Questions? Contact Us
Our Sight & Hearing Chair is happy to guide you through the process:
Mike KilkennyThe Dalles Lions Club – Sight & Hearing Chair
📞 541-980-1030