The Gift of Sight Program is a partnership between LASH, the your local Lions Club, and LensCrafters. There are three scenarios for this program when the proper paperwork (of course) is provided by the local Club. For truly needy people with no insurance, LASH pays $25 for an eye exam and LensCrafters provides eyeglasses at no charge. For needy people who can provide a partial payment, LASH pays $25 for an eye exam and the patient pays LensCrafters $50 for the eyeglasses. For truly needy people with insurance, the insurance covers the eye exam and LensCrafters provides eyeglasses at no charge. A difficult part of the process is the screening of the potential recipients by the local club. LASH recommends the local clubs rely on its budget first and that school children be given first priority. It must be noted that school children on medical assistance receive eye exams and eyeglasses from funding from that program.

PROCEDURE FOR GIFT OF SIGHT PROGRAM

First and foremost, the screening of requests, either adults or students are to be handled as previously done by each Lions Club.

The Lions Club working with the recipient must call the manager of the LensCrafters store selected and request a VOUCHER. Store manager will advise if there are any free VOUCHERS available. If no VOUCHERS are available, request he/she order them and advise you when they are there. When the Club is advised, the Lion handling the request will forward the form to the recipient.

Each request for eyeglasses/exams to Lens Crafters needs to be made on a LASH request form, whether glasses are provided through the LensCrafters' Gift of Sight voucher program for free eyeglasses or the L-50 reduced cost program. The request form is prepared in 3 copies. One copy is sent to LensCrafters, one is sent to the recipient, and one is for the club's file. (See LASH, Request Form). A voucher for the L-50 Program will be handled by LensCrafters as well as the voucher for the Gift of Sight Program. LensCrafters stores will have LASH's 501 C-3 number on file. The LensCrafters store will write this number on the voucher and get the recipient's signature when the glasses are provided to complete the process.

If vouchers for Gift of Sight program are not available, the club can provide reduced cost glasses and exams under the L-50 program. Eyeglasses cost $50 and are paid for by a check payable to LensCrafters. If the recipient requires both eyeglasses and an eye exam, two checks are required: $50 payable to the LensCrafters store for the glasses and $25 check payable to the optometrist office for the eye exam. Deliver checks to the selected LensCrafters manager along with the LASH request form prior to giving the LASH request form to the recipient. Once the recipient gets his/her copy of the LASH request form, he/she must call the LensCrafters manager to make appointments for the exam and eyeglasses. When the glasses are provided, LensCrafters will get the recipient's signature on the voucher, add LASH's 501 C-3 number and the process is complete.

CHILDREN/STUDENTS

Students who are on the school lunch program automatically meet the qualifications required. Requests are evaluated one at a time for all other students. The Lions Club receiving the request will make the determination for qualification. Process is same as above. Note: if voucher is available, glasses come under the Gift of Sight program. An exam is always required and check must be forwarded to the optometrist of the selected LensCrafters.

Regarding the ‘paperwork -- FIVE copies of the Gift of Sight application below are required. One copy goes to the LensCrafters store and another copy is sent directly to the doctor at the selected LensCrafters. These must be received prior to the arrival of the recipient and a check is also required with the form. The third copy is sent to PDG Bill Vogler, Chair of LASH Gift of Sight Program, at 822 Marcie Ct., Bel Air, MD 21014. The fourth copy goes to the recipient and the fifth copy is for your Club’s files.

THIS PROGRAM WORKS when all the steps are followed. Please make sure the dates at the bottom of the form are completed, and the recipient calls the selected LensCrafters for an appointment. LASH and PDG Bill will help you in any way. Please call or email.