Molde volunteers at Lions' Opening Eyes screening in Minneapolis

Dr. Jim Molde of MeritCare Bemidji Eye Center in Bemidji was part of a team of eye doctors from the Minnesota Optometric Association who provided complimentary eye health and vision screenings at the Lions Club International Convention July 9 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

The Opening Eyes screening served more than 50 Special Olympics and other special needs participants who also received complimentary prescription glasses when indicated and prescription or nonprescription sports glasses. Sunglasses were also distributed.

The event demonstrated to worldwide Lions the philanthropy offered in Minnesota, such as the Lions' Special Olympics Opening Eyes event, which screens and supplies glasses for almost 300 Special Olympians annually.

The MOA optometrists from around the state also contributed to a huge collection of more than 20,000 used glasses for recycling and distribution in developing countries by the Lions Recycle for Sight program.

The Minnesota Optometric Association has more than 400 member doctors of optometry around the state. The MOA is committed to furthering awareness of optometrists as primary eye care or family eye doctors and to bringing about change that positively impacts the MOA member doctors and their patients.