Lions World Vision Institute

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Lions World Vision Institute

Lion World Vision Institute is a global nonprofit for sight restoration, research, and outreach.

SightLife is the only global health organization working relentlessly to eliminate corneal blindness worldwide by 2040. Sight restoration has a profound impact on recipients, their families and communities—we believe no one should have to wait to experience the joy and possibilities that vision brings. With partners in 33 countries, SightLife is increasing the number of corneal transplants performed each year to transform millions of lives around the globe. Corneal blindness is a neglected issue in the developing world, where the majority of the world's estimated 10 million bilaterally corneal blind live. SightLife addresses key systemic barriers to sight restoration in several developing countries—especially India where the current need is the greatest. In October 2016, SightLife launched its subsidiary, SightLife Surgical, becoming a combination non-profit and for-profit organization. This unique, mission-driven structure maintains the non-profit status of SightLife as the parent organization and adds a for-profit “engine” to power and accelerate our mission. SightLife Surgical will drive necessary innovation in cornea research, products, blindness prevention and public policy to help SightLife eliminate corneal blindness in our lifetimes. Learn more about SightLife Surgical at www.sightlifesurgical.com. Founded in 1969 and based in Seattle, SightLife is an accredited member of the Eye Bank Association of America and a member of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. SightLife and its global partners provided nearly 24,600 corneas for transplant in 2015.

10/22/2025

The LWVI Foundation was thrilled to join the 13th Annual Nonprofit Fair hosted by the Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay!

This event brought together passionate young professionals and the dedicated nonprofits doing incredible work in our community. Our team loved sharing ways to get involved, from volunteering to supporting programs that make an impact .

If you’re a young professional in the Tampa Bay area looking to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re interested in volunteering with us, exploring board service, or simply discovering ways you can give back, let’s chat!

To get started, drop us a message, comment below, or visit: https://lnkd.in/eEgex-8a

Thank you to all the nonprofits who attended and to the event hosts, Tampa Bay Chamber and Feeding Tampa Bay, for creating space where connection meets purpose. We’re inspired by the energy and heart of Tampa Bay’s next generation of change makers.

10/17/2025

Last weekend, LWVI had the honor of hosting two meaningful gatherings for our donor family community, one in Tampa and another in Jacksonville.

Both events featured powerful stories from donor families and recipients, as well as a special tribute recognizing those who gave the gift of sight through research and training donations.

Guests were invited to decorate memory jars and fill them with written reflections prompted by moments of love and remembrance.

The days were filled with laughter and tears, but above all with connection, pride, hope, and shared support. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped create such a warm and meaningful atmosphere.

10/10/2025

Maddy was the kind of person who made everyone feel like they belonged.

Whether it was a cousin, a classmate, or a complete stranger, she had a quiet but powerful way of including people—of seeing them. She brought joy, color, and laughter to the world, and to the lives of those who loved her most.

Tragically, Maddy lost her life at just 14 years old after being struck by a car while in a crosswalk.

When her parents were faced with the decision about donation, they remembered something she once said: if she were ever in a condition where she couldn’t recover, she would want to go peacefully—and she would want to give.

Maddy had a giving spirit.

Her family felt her presence guiding them in that decision to donate both of her corneas to bring the gift of sight to a stranger. It brought a sense of peace, knowing that a part of her continues in the world, helping others.

10/09/2025

👁️ Today is World Sight Day!

Recognized around the globe, raises awareness about avoidable blindness and vision impairment, and mobilizes action so everyone can access quality eye care.

This year’s theme from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness () is ‘Love Your Eyes’, calling on individuals, schools, and workplaces to make eye health a priority.

Through partnerships and reference materials like those from the IAPB, we have access to a suite of child-friendly and caregiver resources that help sustain vision gains and further the mission.

Check them out here! https://ow.ly/1YM150X8W4N

The LWVI Foundation believes every child deserves the chance learn, play, and dream. Yet for too many, undetected vision problems stand in the way.

Make an impact this World Sight Day with a donation to the LWVI Foundation: https://ow.ly/TwYZ50X8W4M

$25 provides vision screenings for 10 children
$50 covers an eye exam and glasses for a child in need
$100 doubles your impact, providing full care for two children

A child's first pair of glasses changes everything by giving kids the confidence to read, learn, and explore the world with clarity.

Join us in opening young eyes to a brighter future.

10/08/2025

The LWVI mission comes from Helen Keller’s .

One hundred years ago, Helen Keller issued a powerful call to action by challenging Lions Club International to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.”

That call lives on through Lions World Vision Institute, where Keller’s vision has become a global impact.

At LWVI, we take a holistic approach to sight preservation and restoration. From supporting donor families to creating transplant innovations. From investing in vision health to producing groundbreaking research. Together, we advance vision and science, .

Our story is part of Helen Keller's legacy.
👉 Watch Our Story at lwvi.org

10/07/2025

The LWVI Foundation was proud to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a truly inspiring community event at Lockhart Elementary!

Students filled the field with excitement as they cheered, played, and proudly raised the flags alongside the Buccaneers’ Rookie Players, celebrating teamwork, school spirit, and 50 years of Buccaneers pride.

The day also brought a meaningful opportunity for students in need of care.

Through the Glazer Vision Foundation’s mobile clinic, children received free eye exams and new glasses, ensuring every student can see and succeed in the classroom.

A special thank you to our incredible partners, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Glazer Vision Foundation, and Hillsborough County Public Schools, for your commitment to creating a healthier, brighter future for children across our community.

And to our own LWVI Vision Health team, Stephen Casto, Layla Ringhoff, and Nicole Opritza, thank you for bringing heart, expertise, and purpose to every event. Your work embodies our mission to advance vision and science .

10/06/2025

🎬 The Story of LWVI Has Arrived!

Behind every donor, every sight restored, and every life transformed there is a story of people, passion, and purpose.

Watch our new short film celebrating the teams, partners, and families who make our mission possible across the country and around the world.

This is the story of how LWVI advances vision and science,

👉 Watch now at lwvi.org

10/02/2025

Every child deserves the chance to see the world clearly — to read the chalkboard at school, to play with friends, and to dream about their future. But for too many, undetected vision problems stand in the way.

World Sight Day is on October 9th, and you can help change that:

$25 provides screenings for 10 children
$50 covers an exam + glasses for 1 child
$100 gives full care to 2 children

For a child, something as simple as their first pair of glasses can be transformational:

- Reading without struggle
- Confidence in the classroom
- Seeing the world come into focus for the very first time

Recognized globally, World Sight Day is led every year by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). The day reminds us to and ensure everyone has access to quality eye care. Together, we can open young eyes to brighter futures.

For additional information on World Sight Day and the Love Your Eyes campaign, visit the IAPB's website. This resource is full of insights, stories, and tools to further our collective mission: https://www.iapb.world/love-your-eyes

For World Sight Day let's celebrate not just with words but with actions. Join us in promoting eye care in the workplace & at home, making it a standard practice for ourselves and families.

When we all come together, our impact is immeasurable. Learn more about why your gift matters: https://vimeo.com/1095047526

09/30/2025

- The LWVI Foundation's Vision Health Department’s Glazer Mobile Vision Clinic had the honor of participating in a very special event at the AdventHealth Training Center at 1 Buccaneer Place.

The children received screenings, eye exams, and even walked away with glasses on-site. For many of these children, this was their very first pair of glasses, a gift that will impact their learning, confidence, and everyday life in ways both big and small.

But the day held an even bigger surprise!

After the clinic, the LWVI Foundation crew — Dr. Matthew Helsing, Stephen Casto, Layla Ringhoff & Nicole Opritza — were invited to join the children at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 50th Anniversary Home Opener against the New York Jets.

Steve Casto, Vision Health Program Manager, shared, "Watching the children cheer, clap, and jump with excitement as they recognized their favorite players and read jersey numbers across the field was something extraordinary. Their shouts of 'I can see everything now!' and the endless stream of high-fives reminded us, in the most joyful way, just how powerful the gift of sight truly is."

Steve recounts how their hearts were as full as the stands that afternoon. "These children reminded all of us why we do what we do."

09/22/2025

Kris never worried about his eyesight—until mornings became a blur, pain worsened, and light burned. Words and numbers danced on screens.

Diagnosed with Fuchs’ Dystrophy, he knew a cornea transplant was inevitable. As his vision and confidence declined, he faced surgery nervously but with hope, knowing even modest improvement could restore clarity and independence.

Learn more about Kris’ story: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/jA6xyCU

09/18/2025

Oh what a night! Together, we raised $300,000 for the LWVI Foundation to restore sight and change lives, .

Thank you for making the Eye Ball an unforgettable success!

09/17/2025

The Eye Ball was a vision! Everyone looked fabulous in their Roaring 20’s attire and these photos are absolutely gorgeous.

Address

1410 N. 21st Street
Tampa, FL
33605

Telephone

+18132891200

Website

http://www.lwvi.org/

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