The Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes program is changing lives in communities across the state by providing comprehensive eye assessments, prescription eyewear, sunglasses, and sports goggles to Special Olympics athletes and people with intellectual disabilities in general. After going through 12 testing stations, the exam information is reviewed, and a decision is made if the athlete needs a new pair of prescription glasses or sports goggles.
Did You Know?
- 23% of Special Olympics athletes have never had an eye exam
- 16% of Special Olympics athletes have an eye disease
- 38% of Special Olympics athletes need new prescription glasses
The Opening Eyes program has resulted in:
- 410.000 screenings
- 215.000 free eyeglasses provided
- 500 trained Clinical Directors
- 1.2 Million Volunteer hours
Opening Eyes is Special Olympics Tennessee's longest-standing health screening program (having started in 1997). Contact Natalee Kamau, Director of Health and Fitness, at nkamau@specialolympicstn.org for more information or if you would like to get involved.
