The Lions Eye Clinic on 8th Ave in Roodepoort has been providing affordable eye care and eyewear to residents in need since its opening in January 1997.

Due to the declining state of the area in which it is situated, a decision was made by the Lions Clubs of Zone 1 to relocate the clinic to a safer, more accessible location at the Wilro Lions Clubhouse at 16 Belladonna Road, Roodekrans.

According to Lions Clubs of Zone 1 chairperson Johan Els, the Lions Eye Clinic provides an essential service to residents.

“Over the past three decades, the clinic has provided affordable vision care and prescription glasses to members of our community who would otherwise go without,” he says.

“Many of our patients have no medical aid, limited financial means, or come from disadvantaged and informal communities where access to eye care is often beyond reach.

“For many, a simple pair of spectacles provides the means to being able to read, work, study, and regain their independence.”

While the Lions Eye Clinic on 8th Ave remains operational, the plan is for the move to be completed by September 1.

Karl Bands from the Helderkruin Lions Club adds that the challenge now is to complete funding for the move and setup of the new clinic.

“We’ve graciously been given a space at the Wilro Lions clubhouse where we will be erecting a cabin in which to operate the clinic, facilitated by Wilro Lions custodian Sydney van Heerden,” he says, adding that they managed to procure a cabin for about R30 000.

“We are anticipating a further expense of about R10 000 for, among other things, the installation and connection of electricity for the clinic.”

The Lions Clubs of Zone 1, consisting of Helderkruin, Krugersdorp, Clearwater Cyber, Wilro Park, Northcliff, Weltevreden and Ruimsig, have joined forces to raise the R40 000 needed to complete the move.

“The aim right now is to ensure that we complete the move and get the clinic operational,” says Weltevreden Park Lion Danny Burnett.

For more information, or to donate to the Lions Eye Clinic, contact Els by sending an email to j.els@qm-tek.com.