MARCH 2026 | VOL 3

LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION AWARDS $228,641 VISION GRANT  TO EXPAND AND EQUIP

THE BEAUTY OF SIGHT EYE BANK 

Patients across Florida will soon have greater access to sight-restoring care thanks to a $228,641 Vision Grant awarded by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to Lions District 35-N. The grant will support the upgrade and equipping of Beauty of Sight’s eye bank, expanding the organization’s laboratory capabilities and increasing its ability to serve more patients throughout the state. 

The LCIF Vision Grant is a matching grant made possible through the generous support of Lions clubs across District 35-N and throughout the Multiple District 35 region, which includes Florida, the Bahamas, Aruba, Barbados, and Curaçao.

The expansion will strengthen the organization’s capacity to provide sight-restoring corneal tissue, produce specialized ocular biologic therapies, and support ophthalmic research, education, and surgical training. The upgraded facility will also position the eye bank to adopt emerging technologies and therapies that are advancing the field of vision care. 

STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS, HONORING IMPACT

In February, our Communications Manager, Dahiana De Francisco, visited several of our valued hospital partners, bringing small Valentine's treats as a heartfelt token of appreciation. Each visit included a report highlighting their 2025 donation figures, providing a clear, meaningful snapshot of the life-changing impact made possible by their efforts.

To make the moment more personal, Dahiana also presented a thoughtfully designed flyer featuring words of gratitude from cornea transplant recipients. These powerful reminders behind every call are a life transformed. These messages helped connect clinical care to the real-world outcomes their teams achieve every day.

 These visits are part of our ongoing effort to strengthen relationships, foster connections, and show our partners how much we appreciate their vital role in restoring sight. Thank you for your continued collaboration. We're moving forward to bring sight to more people in our community.

AT THE HEART OF OUR MISSION: RESTORING SIGHT THROUGH COLLABORATION

At Beauty of Sight, cultivating and maintaining a respectful, transparent relationship with the Medical Examiner's Office is not just operational; it is mission-driven. This partnership ensures that every opportunity to restore sight is preserved, while honoring both the donor's gift and the integrity of the legal process.

We are grateful for our continued collaboration with the incredible team at the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Department. In February, we had the pleasure of hosting a Valentine' s-themed appreciation luncheon to recognize and thank them for the vital role they play in making eye donation possible. Their partnership, trust, and commitment help ensure that donor wishes are honored, investigations are protected, and the gift of sight reaches those waiting for a second chance. Strong relationships like this allow us to restore vision and uphold the highest standards of care every single day.



VISION REHABILITATION

What is vision rehabilitation?

If you have a visual impairment, vision rehabilitation can help you make the most of your remaining vision and improve your quality of life. There are many types of vision rehabilitation services. Talking with your eye doctor or eye care team is a great way to figure out which services are right for you.

Examples of vision rehabilitation services are:

• Employment and job training
• Assistive products, like lighting and reading stands
• Technology, like magnifiers and screen readers
• Daily living and independent living skills trainings
• Emotional support, like counseling or support groups
• Transportation and household services