Opening Eyes

2 July 2023 - Hyannis Port, Massachusetts: As part of a shared commitment to inclusion and community service across the world, Special Olympics and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) signed a historic five-year partnership agreement that will provide sustained services, support and empowerment to the global population of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The 2022 Partnership Report highlights how Cooper Vision, Optometry Giving Sight and Special Olympics continue improving sight and quality of life of individuals with Intellectual Disabilities through Eye Care Practitioner training and screening events in the US and Kenya.

Everyone’s health needs should be included in the healthcare system, and people with intellectual disabilities deserve to have access to a healthcare environment that best addresses their specific health needs.

Special Olympics and the Lions Club International Foundation celebrate a 20 year partnership.

Essilor Vision Foundation recently interviewed David Evangelista, Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia.

SAN RAMON, Calif., April 7, 2021 – CooperVision, Optometry Giving Sight and Special Olympics have come together to support the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes® program, which aims to strengthen vision care inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The organizations have committed $300,000 through 2023 to provide Special Olympics athletes with high-quality vision and eye health screenings, prescription eyewear and sports goggles, while also providing improved education and training for eye care professionals (ECPs) and optometry students so they are better able to meet the unique needs of this marginalized group.

Special Olympics Operations Specialist Ben Collins Talks with Dr. Andreas Heinecke, founder of Dialogue in the Dark, on World Sight Day 2020

Globally, 35% of our athletes need new prescription glasses & 23% have never had an eye exam. Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes® provides free eye assessments for Special Olympics athletes.

Could World Health Day 2020 mark a milestone in global health history? Perhaps, but not in the way that one might immediately imagine.

Lawrence Mwangi is a standout player for Special Olympics Kenya’s Floor Hockey team. His speed and skill helped the team win game after game, eventually climbing to the top of their division.