Eye Surgery Program
History/Purpose
The Health Services Program was created more than 35 years ago to help financially needy South Carolinians receive eye surgery or treatments they need but cannot afford. Qualified applicants receive quality medical treatment with dignity, confidentiality and compassion.
The South Carolina Lions Charitable Services (SCLCS) allocates funds each year for this program. The Health Services Committee meets monthly to review applicants referred to the program from across the state. Each case is thoroughly examined and weighed against established qualifications and guidelines. Every year, the Committee is able to help people from all parts of the state and from all age groups.
Our Committee works hard to make the best use of its funds. Thanks to the generosity of doctors and hospitals across the state, the SCLCS pays for services at the current Medicaid rates for each procedure we sponsor. This allows us to help many more people each year.
The Health Services Program does not consider applications for assistance with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or Lasik surgeries.
How to Access This Program
Individuals calling the SCLCS Office for surgical assistance will be referred to their local Lion's Club Sight Chair to begin the application process.
1. The Sight Chair will confirm that the applicant has been under the care of an ophthalmologist and has been recommended for surgery.
2. If the Sight Chair believes the applicant meets the criteria, the sponsoring Lions Club will submit a "Health Service Referral Form" to SCLCS to begin the financial screening process.
3. SCLCS will provide the client with all applications and forms and will complete the screening of all documents.
4. Regardless of the outcome, the applicant and the Sight Chair will be notified in writing of the committee's decision and the next step for them to take, if approved.
5. All charges are reimbursed according to our SCLCS Fee Schedule. All invoices should be directed to the SCLCS Contact for payment if approved.
All Health Services programs are on a "first come" basis and all funds for this program are directly through charitable gifts. Should funds be depleted before the application process is completed you may be put on a waiting list.