Transforming Lives Through Vision: A Year of Eye Clinics for Dallas’ Unhoused Community

In March 2024, five of the seven Lions Clubs in our zone united in a shared mission: to bring free eye clinics to the unhoused community in Dallas. This ambitious initiative, a partnership with Union Gospel Mission (UGM), provided vital vision care for residents of two shelters—Center of Hope (serving women and children) and Calvert Place (serving men). Over the course of a year, hundreds of lives were touched, as individuals received professional eye exams and prescription eyeglasses, improving their quality of life and opportunities for success.

Yesterday, February 15, 2025, marked the final free eye clinic of this initiative, hosted by the Dallas Founder Lions Club at Calvert Place, seventeen individuals underwent comprehensive eye exams, with many receiving prescriptions for much-needed glasses. For these attendees, clearer vision means better job prospects, easier navigation of daily life, and restored dignity.

This project was a true testament to the power of collaboration. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Coppell Lions Club, Dallas Indian Lions Club, Richardson Host Lions Club, and Richardson Midday Lions Club, whose sponsorships made these clinics possible throughout the year. Your dedication has left a lasting impact on our community, ensuring that those in need receive the care they deserve.

A special thank you to the dedicated volunteers and professionals who made this final clinic a success. Attendees included:

• Lions Rollin Gary, who generously volunteered to transport the bus from Waxahachie to Calvert Place and back, ensuring accessibility for those in need.
• Sheryll McKay, Service Activity Chair and Director of the Lions Sight and Tissue Foundation (LSTF), whose leadership has been instrumental in these efforts.
• Celine Nguyen, 2023-2024 President of UGM, LSTF Director, and proud member of the Dallas Founder Lions Club, whose commitment to service shines through in every aspect of this project.
• Nia MacKay, 2023-2024 Zone 7 Chair, whose coordination helped bring multiple Lions Clubs together for this initiative.
• Dr. Mohamed Mohamed, MD, an ophthalmologist from UT Southwestern, who provided expert care to those receiving eye exams.
• PDG Keith Murray, whose experience and leadership continue to support our club’s mission.
• Volunteers from UT Southwestern and UTA Medical Schools, whose enthusiasm and dedication helped ensure a smooth and successful clinic.

With this milestone, we look ahead to our next collaborative project: a partnership with Agape Multidiscipline Clinic (UTSW). We are excited to continue serving our community and expanding access to essential medical care.

Together, We Serve