Ways We Serve
We are volunteers who passionately believe every child deserves a clear view of the classroom and everyone deserves to see their world with confidence. We also believe that the best way to make this a reality for our friends and neighbors in Blount County is to get involved and act.
This is where the Maryville Lions Club steps in. With free screenings, recycled glasses, school partnerships, and support for underprivileged adults, we help bridge the gap between need and care.
Impact Highlights:
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Vision Screenings are conducted at 37 day cares, pre-schools, head start centers, schools and community events annually.
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Thousands of children and adults have been served since 1986
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Over 6,000 pairs of donated glasses are recycled each year.
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Hundreds of free eye exams and eye surgeries have been provided for the underprivileged
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Vision Screening
The Maryville Lions Club provides free vision screenings for children (pre-K through 8th grade) throughout Blount County using state-of-the-art, non-invasive screening equipment. Screenings are conducted by trained Lions Club volunteers at day cares, schools, and community events with referrals provided for follow-up care when needed.
These quick and non-contact screenings help detect common childhood vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and lazy eye—often identifying problems before they affect learning or quality of life.
Free Examinations & Eyeglasses
The Maryville Lions Club offers free eye examinations and eyeglasses to individuals in Blount County who are unable to afford vision care. Through partnerships with local eye care professionals and the Lions Smoky Mountain Vision Clinic in Fountain City, eligible residents receive comprehensive exams and, if needed, prescription eyeglasses at at no cost. This program ensures that adults have the clear vision they need to succeed at work and in daily life.
Recycle Used Eyeglasses
The Maryville Lions Club operates a county-wide eyeglass recycling program through the Lions Clubs International "RECYCLE for Sight" initiative.
Gently used eyeglasses are collected, sorted for usability and the unusable glasses are recycled annually. The glasses are sent to ReSpecs in California for recycling. The Lions receive a stipend in return and put it toward our vision preservation services.
There are several collection box locations throughout Blount County making it easy for residents to donate their old glasses and help someone regain the gift of sight.
Advocate for No Cost Surgeries
The Maryville Lions Club assists eligible individuals in Blount County by advocating for access to no-cost or low-cost eye surgeries, such as cataract removal, corneal replacement or other medically necessary procedures.
Working in partnership with regional eye care providers and charitable foundations, the club helps connect patients with the resources they need to restore or preserve their vision when insurance or financial hardship would otherwise be a barrier.
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Tour de Blount
For several years the Maryville Lions Club has handed out refreshments for the Tour de Blount bicycle race. Food items are provided by the Foothill Striders and the Lions serve as a weight station for the riders.
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Community Events
Maryville Lions enjoy participating in community events to help inform the community of who the Lions are and what we do to serve the needs of our fellow Blount County citizens.
We participate in various public relations fairs, Boys & Girls Club activities and help with Parks & Rec activities as well as other events.
Hunger Initiative
Following a District food packing event, members of the Maryville Lions club delivered boxes of non-perishable food items to the Blount County Meals on Wheels and the Community Food Connection.
The food packing event is generally held once a year but some members of the club also work at the Community Food Connection on a routine basis serving the needs of Blount County citizens.
Disaster Relief
Following Hurricane Helene in 2024, members of the Maryville Lions helped the District by participating in months of shopping and delivering needed supplies throughout East Tennessee. Thanks to an Emergency Grant by Lions International and thousands of donations from across the state and country, hundreds of supplies were delivered to those in need.
