For over 20 years, our local Lions Clubs have been screening adults and children for eye
problems and came to realize that many of them are underserved and cannot afford eye
care. In 2008, the Bonita Springs Lions Club in their wisdom, decided to build an eye
clinic on their campus in Bonita Springs. The clinic treats patients 200 percent below the
poverty line and with no insurance. Today the clinic treats 2,000 patients a year and it is
entirely free, even surgery. The clinic is the only freestanding eye clinic offering in-
house surgeries in the state. In kind services are valued at over $950,000 a year.

Though the name changed to the Florida Lions Eye Clinic, as it serves people from all
over Florida, one of our major supporters continues to be the Bonita Springs Lions Club.
With over $400,000 donated since the clinic’s inception, we are hugely indebted to
them. Without the collective support from all of our volunteers, donors, foundations,
charitable institutions, our local news sources and the support we get from Collier and
Lee County’s United Way, the clinic would not exist.

Any person who resides in Florida who is underserved, does not have medical insurance,
and meets the qualifying guidelines, is able to make an appointment for free services at
239-498-3937. The clinic treats eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, and
provides eye exams and surgeries for children and adults at no cost.

The Florida Lions Eye Clinic has a vision to improve the quality of life for those who
cannot afford eye care by providing exemplary and comprehensive vision care. As
founding physicians, it is impossible to show just how grateful we are for all of the
support the clinic has received since its opening.

Letters to the Editor: Naples Daily News, Sunday August 14, 2022