ignites the spark!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you the same as the international Lions organization?
While we do work with Lions Clubs International and receive support from them on occasion, we are not the same organization. The Lions of Washington and Northern Idaho created the Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight & Hearing in 1969 and continue to support our organization. You could say we're an expression of the spirit of the generous Lions of the Pacific Northwest.
Does the Northwest Lions Foundation offer scholarships?
No, but many Lions Clubs do. Click here to find one in your area. Or call us, and we'll try to connect you with the nearest Club.
Do you recycle eyeglasses?
No, we don't. However, if you are in Seattle and want to drop off your eyeglasses for recycling, we can send them to the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (LERC). Please be aware of LERC's certain restrictions for their recycling process.
My doctor says I will lose my eyesight. Can you provide me with new eyes?
Unfortunately, transplanting an entire eye isn't possible yet. However, if you are losing your eyesight due to a corneal injury or disease, your surgeon will arrange everything necessary for your cornea transplant. If you are losing your sight to a degenerative eye disease or retinal problem and cannot afford surgery or treatment, we can help you find a Lions Club in your area that may be able to assist you with the costs.
What is a cornea?
The cornea is the clear part of the eye in front of your pupil and iris.
My friend or loved one needs a cornea transplant. Can I donate one of my eyes?
All donated corneas come from recently deceased individuals who have legally indicated their desire for organ donation or whose surviving family members agree to donation. While we are grateful for your generous spirit, we do not take eyes from living donors. For more information on registering to be an organ donor and giving another person the gift of sight, click here.
How much will it cost to be a cornea donor?
Organ and tissue donation, including cornea donation, is a gift of life and is completely free for the donor and his or her family.
If I or my loved one donates corneas, can we still have an open casket at the funeral?
Yes! Our recovery technicians treat each donor with great respect. They are very careful not to affect your loved one's appearance during the donation process.
I can't afford hearing aids or sight- or hearing-related treatment. Can you help me?
If you live within Washington or Northern Idaho, we can connect you with a Lions Club that may be able to help. Please contact us for more information.
We also offer AUDIENT™, a national nonprofit program helping low-income individuals access high-quality hearing care. To speak with one of our helpful AUDIENT representatives, please call 1-877-AUDIENT.
I love what you're doing. How can I help?
Becoming an organ donor is a great first step! Your tax-deductible financial support helps us provide grants for sight- and hearing-related care and programs. Another great way to get involved is to join the Lions. Not only will you have opportunity to support the Northwest Lions Foundation, you'll be able to make a difference in your own community! Finally, you can check our employment page to see if we have any openings that may fit your skills and interests.