January 1, 2024 OHIO LIONS EYE RESEARCH FOUNDATION (OLERF)
This year marks 72 years since formation of the initial Ohio Lions Eye Research Committee and 67 years since obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation (OLERF) has been committed to finding treatments and cures for blinding retinal diseases. With your support, we have been able to develop new breakthroughs and fund groundbreaking research that provides hope to those living with blinding retinal diseases through our grants and fellowships. However, there is still much more work to be done in the fight against blindness, and we cannot do it without you. Now is the time to renew/continue your dedication to ending blindness and vision loss here and around the world.
You can help OLERF find treatments and cures by continuing your commitment as a supporter to those affected by retinal diseases. Just look at what we have been able to accomplish together however, there is still more work to be done and we will not stop until we have eradicated blinding retinal diseases and restored vision across the world.
- All funds received by OLERF remain in Ohio for research
- $357,000.00 committed last year for 14 research projects
- Over $7 million dollars have been provided to Ohio researchers by OLERF
More than 10 million Americans - and millions more worldwide - live with blinding retinal diseases. Your support brings hope for therapies, treatments, and cures. Each District in Ohio has an OLERF member. Contact them for more information or to donate.
February 28, 2024 OHIO LIONS EYE RESEARCH FOUNDATION (OLERF) Meeting Highlights
- The new OLERF Video was displayed and everyone was prompted to place a link to it in appropriate places in social media.
- The OLERF 'continuing existence' papers have been submitted to the Ohio Secretary of State.
- A committee is working on proposed changes to the Foundation Constitution document.
- Planning is underway for the Luncheon at the MD-13 State Convention.
May 17-19, 2024 OHIO LIONS EYE RESEARCH FOUNDATION (OLERF) Meeting Highlights
The Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation conducted the May meeting at the MD-13 State Convention on Friday, 17 May 2024 at 9:30 a.m. The meeting was followed by a re-organizational meeting for seating newly elected Trustees and Officers of the Foundation. After the business of the day was conducted, a luncheon was held with special guests and our speaker was a researcher, Dr. Ann Morrison, speaking on the The Emmetropization Via Accomodation (EVA) Study. Picture highlights provided here:
18 May 2024 Annual Membership Meeting of OLERF at MD-13 State Convention
The Annual Membership Meeting of OLERF was called to order by Lion Nancy Brown, OLERF Trustee President. She introduced PDG Myron Amstutz, Treasurer and PCC Lydia Houser, Executive Director. This is a requirement per our OLERF Constitution and By-Laws. Lion PDG Myron Amstutz, OLERF Trustee Treasurer, reported OLERF is alive and well and allocated the following funds in 2023-24.
Allocations for 2023 – 2024 were as follows:
| Research Grants | $80,000.00 |
| Bryan Diabetes | $30,000.00 |
| Fellowships | $110,000.00 |
| AMD | $30,000.00 |
| Lois Hagelberger Huebner Young Investigator Award |
$107,000.00 |
| Total | $357,000.00 |
September 1, 2024 and August 3, 2024 OHIO LIONS EYE RESEARCH FOUNDATION (OLERF) Meeting Highlights
Grants were approved during the August 3, 2024 meeting. A special meeting was conducted on September 1, 2024 for review and revision. The purpose was to ensure allocation of funds for research in the Ohio Lions Eye Research Laboratory. The following grant categories were reviewed, revised, and approved:
| Research Grants | $80,000.00 |
| Bryan Diabetes | $50,000.00 |
| Fellowships | $70,000.00 |
| AMD | $60,000.00 |
| Total | $260,000.00 |
November 17, 2024 OHIO LIONS EYE RESEARCH FOUNDATION (OLERF) Meeting Highlights
- There were a large number of awards earned last Lions years by our supporting Lions Clubs and Lions. Information regarding awards can be found at Lions Resources.
- The OLERF Trustees approved participation in the NexTrex project which involves collection and recycling of plastic shopping bags with goal of a Trex bench which will be donated as a memorial.
 2024 Annual Meeting | 134 kB | 763 Downloads |