Lions Clubs International will officially mark World Sight Day in Mossman today, October 10, with community vision screenings. 

Held annually since 1998, World Sight Day is an international event launched by Lions to recognize the importance of fighting preventable blindness globally.

The first Australian President of Lions International, Barry J. Palmer, is in Port Douglas for the annual Lions International Board meeting at the Sheraton Mirage Resort, and will lead today’s local events. 

These include vision screenings of students at St Augustines Private School and Mossman State School, in conjunction with Mossman Hospital Community Health Services. According to Lions, vision screenings and eye health education are important early steps to detecting, treating and preventing eye diseases like cataract, glaucoma. 

“Our activities in Mossman represent Lions’ global efforts to provide vision services,” said Mr Palmer. 

Lions members will work with local eye care professionals to provide follow-up care if needed. Public vision screenings will be held in the Mossman Shire Hall, also with the support of Mossman Hospital Community Health Services and local eye health specialists.

“Lions in Australia, and around the world, work hard to fight eye disease and save sight,"  Mr Palmer said. 

"Lions World Sight Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate Lions Clubs International and Lions Clubs International Foundation’s commitment to promoting universal eye care,”

Today’s World Sight Day events are the culmination of the International Board’s 10-day meeting. Though other International Lions meetings have been held in Australia, though this year’s Port Douglas meeting is a ‘world first’ for a regional location.  

Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and strengthened local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects.