Low Vision, LEHP, and Prostate Cancer Chairman District 201Q4

Chairman Barry Rothery

Email - barry@rotheryscoaches.com

Please note new postal address for Barry and Ros Rothery -

P.O. Box 5576, CQMC, Qld, 4702.

LOW VISION

Low Vision Clinics Benefit:
District Chairman Lion Barry Rothery proposed that District 201Q4 purchase some special glasses for the Clinics and this was approved at Cabinet in March. They also approved the purchase of some Flouro lamps that benefit the Low Vision Clinics. Barry reported that a local Optometrist Russell Cooper in Rockhampton is taking on the Clinics there so that is very much appreciated I am sure.

.Low Vision:
201Q4 supports Low Vision Clinics at Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Kingaroy, Hervey Bay and Nambour. The Rockhampton Clinic (first clinic in Q4) was started in May 1991 by Lion Dr Keh P Khor, with the other clinics being established as a need was determined. The aims of the Clinics were to:

· Teach clients to use their remaining sight more efficiently
· Teach clients to develop the use of their other senses to re-enforce their remaining sight
· Give special help with independent living skills
· Assess on the extent of visual handicap suffered and thence to recommend on the availability of various low vision aids
· Provide a forum for education, social and recreational activities

Over the years operations have changed a little, with Clinics now being operated by Guide Dogs Q'ld. Lions continue to provide each Clinic with a supply of aids to enable our vision impaired members of our community become familiar with what is available for them. On a regular basis I make contact with Guide Dogs Q'ld to keep up to date on all aspects of the Clinics.

An area where all Lions can be involved is the collection of used spectacles. The Head Quarters is situated at Kippa Ring (Redcliffe), where the spectacles are checked, graded and distributed around the world. Small collection boxes are available from me on the Convention stand for use at businesses and optometrists. Once your club collects the spectacles from the collection points, I ask that they are sent direct to Head Quarters. Please discard all cases and send the spectacles away in sturdy cartons. The best cartons are the Lions Christmas Cake boxes in particular the 1.5k.g. cartons. The address is as follows:

Update from August 07 report to Cabinet.

Lion Barry Makes a Spectacle of himself & You Can Help:
"Ohh what a lot of glasses you have Sir", and he replies "All the better to see with" but never too many glasses according to Lion Barry Rothery who is hoping to keep the new Lensometer equipment working full time grading the glasses ready for recycling to other countries where they give so many people the opportunity that we take for granted, that being reading or improved vision. Barry would like to see every Club in District 201Q4 have a concentrated drive for collection of used spectacles with a view to ever increasing the shipments we send over seas. To simplify the collection he is asking all Clubs to conduct a collection and bring their bounty along to their next Zone Meeting and it will all be coordinated from there.

Reply Paid 3021,
Lions Recycle for Sight Australia,
P.O. Box 3021,
Clontarf M.D.C. 4019

L.E.H.P.
The basic goal of this programme is: To reduce preventable vision loss and blindness caused by diabetic eye disease and glaucoma. The concern about blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma is that, in most cases, it is preventable. LEHP-Australia is designed to convey to those at risk the importance of early detection and timely treatment of these diseases. In this way, LEHP-Australia can help people avoid needless, permanent loss of vision.

Diabetes and Glaucoma are two of the fastest growing diseases affecting society today. Everybody is at risk of developing either or both of these diseases, however the higher risk group are those with a family history of the diseases or those aged 50 and over.

Awareness and early detection is vital in reducing the effect of both Diabetes and Glaucoma. LEHP-Australia is very committed to providing as much information as possible and I do have some valuable information on my stand, or you can contact the relevant groups direct. The relevant contacts are as follows:

LEHP-Australia 1800 010 234
Diabetes Australia 1800 640 862
Glaucoma Australia 1800 261 071

I hope the above information has been of some help to you in understanding this important portfolio.
District Chairman

Prostate Cancer Awareness.
I have spoken with The Cancer Council Queensland and I have been informed that they have quality speakers who would only be too pleased to come out and visit any clubs and talk to your members about this very serious problem. As with all problems like this the sooner it is found the easier it is to control. The Cancer Council have offices in the Sunshine Coast Area and Rockhampton to cover our district.
If you are a web surfer they have a site at www.prostatecancerqld.org.au or a free call number 13 11 20 that is available Monday to Friday 8.00am to 8.00pm.

Our Multiple District Lions also have a very informative web site at www.protatehealth.org.au .

Regards and yours in Lionism,
Barry