November 2007 marks the twentieth anniversary of the Venice / Englewood Lions Vision Screening and Treatment Program. The program serves the residents of Venice, Nokomis and Englewood area who might otherwise not be able to afford proper eye care. Our eye care program is mostly funded by the investment income from the money bequeathed by Alfred G. and Ingeborg Keerl, both residents of Venice in their last years. The eye screening program started in 1987 with about 10 patients a month. In 1994 The Venice / Englewood Lions Clubs Vision Center was established at the then Bon Secours - Venice Health Park. Now the number of patients who use our monthly services frequently exceed 40.

      The Keerl bequest limited the eye care using it's funds to persons, adult or child, living in the area bordered by Blackburn Point Road in Osprey to the north, Boca Grande to the south, Myakka river to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. The financial eligibility requirements are adjusted by the Board of directors of the clubs as needed to take into account the rising cost of living etc.

      Persons living in the area defined above and need help with vision problems are invited to contact us at (941) 486-6065 or visit the Venice / Englewood Vision Center at the Venice Regional Medical Center Health Park situated at the junction of Jacaranda Blvd. and Center Road in Venice. Our office volunteers are available to take your application and schedule an appointment at the next clinic if you meet the requirements.

      Since the inception of the Vision Screening Program in 1987, we have helped more than 5,000 needy residents in the area, spending more than $800,000 for eye care alone. This figure does not include the cost of services we receive free or at a reduced rate from participating doctors, surgeons, and anesthesiologists and the Surgery Center at Venice Regional Medical Center Health Park.

      The Venice / Englewood Eye Care Program is overseen by the Keerl Committee with some appointed and some elected members. The committee meets monthly to oversee the smooth functioning of the eye care program.

      In 1993 the Lions Club of Venice / Englewood pledged $ 1,000,000 to be contributed in yearly installments, for the construction of the Lions Vision Center at then Bon - Secours Venice Health Park. In 2003 we paid off the last installment of that pledge. The Lions Vision center is well equipped with some of the best equipment available for use by the doctors and technicians who volunteer their services at the center.