KEF is also dedicated to addressing these illnesses at an early age to ensure children are not burdened with the stress of vision problems. They run a school-based screening program for children ages six to 10. The program includes free eye exams to identify refractive errors and other eye conditions, free eyeglasses, referrals to KEF for students in need of further treatment and education on avoidable blindness and personal hygiene.

KEF has an optical workshop that provides a range of prescriptions for school children and paying individuals with URE. Between 2008 and 2016, KEF performed 17,118 refraction assessments and distributed 12,402 spectacles. Last year, 80% of patients who received cataract surgery had good outcomes, so Lions are hoping to expand on that success to serve more people in Pakistan.

The LCIF grant will enable Lions to purchase the equipment necessary to conduct eye exams and treat cataracts, URE and DR. This includes a new argon laser since KEF’s current one has not been functional for the last three years and will allow staff to reinstate laser treatments for DR patients. With this investment in equipment, Lions will ensure tens of thousands of people across the country never suffer from vision loss.