The United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee counties recently awarded a grant of $27,500 to the Florida Lions Eye Clinic. The funding is to support optometry/ophthalmology staffing at the clinic, a mobile eye clinic, and monthly eye screening events.

In addition, the United Way orchestrated an additional $20,000 donation from an anonymous supporter to fund the purchase of equipment used to perform Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, a form of laser surgery used for glaucoma patients. The laser treatments reduce eye pressure and/or prevent future progressive elevation of eye pressure.

The clinic currently serves over 2,000 patients a year, but the unmet needs remain strong. FLEC is the only free eye clinic in Florida that offers comprehensive eye care services, including onsite surgeries and funding for surgeries referred out, to the underserved, uninsured individuals in Southwest Florida. Partnerships such as the one with the United Way can bring new resources and opportunities to our most vulnerable population, while strengthening the broader community as a whole.

The Florida Lions Eye Clinic offers free, state-of-the-art, eye care to children, families and adults who are underserved, do not have medical insurance, and meet the qualifying guidelines. In collaboration with Lions Clubs throughout the state, the clinic also brings onsite screenings and clinical care to many of the underserved areas in southwest Florida. Serving over 2,000 patients annually, the clinic relies on the generosity of its supporters and their donations of time, talent, and treasure.

Learn more about the Florida Lions Eye Clinic at www.fllec.org.