If you are seeking assistance from our Cleveland TN Lions Club look for the appropriate section and read all the information provided for that section.

For Adult Eyeglasses

Our Lions Club assists adults who live in Bradley and Polk Counties of TN with basic eyeglasses.  We are unable to assist those living outside this area.   We use Karis Community Health to screen applicants for these services.  So, your first step is to contact Karis at 423-457-8024 or go by their offices located at 256 Broad Street SW in Cleveland.  Tell them you are seeking help from the Lions Club for your vision needs.  They will set up an appointment to do a vision screening, and you will also be required to complete paperwork which shows your income and expenses, etc..   There is no charge for this appointment. 

If you are approved for assistance, you will be given a letter of approval which shows what vision service providers you may go to for a complete eye exam and glasses if needed.  It will be your responsibility to make your own appointment with one of the providers.  You will also have to pay the Vision Service provider $20 and for that you will receive a complete eye exam and a basic pair of glasses if needed.

For Cataracts

For those seeking help because of cataracts and needing cataract surgery and lens replacement the process is as follows:  If you have already been diagnosed with cataracts by an eye doctor then please contact us for the Cataract Surgery Application form. 

Based upon that form and any follow-up information requested, the Lions Club will then decide regarding whether or not assistance can be provided as our funding is limited.  If you are already a patient of Karis Community Health and they believe you may need cataract surgery, then a Cataract Surgery Application form will be provided by Karis.  The completed form will be forwarded to the Lions Club’s Adult Vision Services Coordinator by Karis so it can be considered.

For Children’s Eyeglasses

If you are seeking help with vision needs for a child who resides within Bradley County TN and attends either Bradley County or Cleveland City Schools then please contact the school nurse of the school the child attends.  The school nurse should be able to complete a vision screening on the child and have the paperwork necessary to access Lions Club Assistance. If the child does not attend either Bradley County or Cleveland City Schools then please contact us for additional information.

Information needed by Karis Community Health

    • Proof of residency in Bradley or Polk County (this could be a bill with the person’s name and address on it.}
    • Any medical insurance cards including Medicaid, Medicare, or VA benefits.
    • Proof of household income such as pay stubs, SSI benefit information, food stamps, or other income or benefits.  It should be clear as to who lives in the household, what their income is, and whether or not it goes to support the person requesting services.