WILMINGTON — Ohio Lions District 13OH6 District Governor Lydia Houser and her husband Lion Rick Houser visited the Wilmington Lions Club at the Monday, Aug. 20 meeting.
DG Lydia said since the early 1950s the Lions of Ohio have supported the Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation by providing money in the form of grants for eye research. A primary research facility founded by the Lions resides at Ohio State University.
Over the years their research has developed breakthroughs such as contact lenses back in the 1960s and, more recently, a cure for river blindness.
Presently, research is focusing on eye problems that develop in babies during pregnancy plus research to prevent damage from direct exposure from ground-aimed laser beams at aircraft pilots.
All the monies collected for the OLERF remain in Ohio research.
Lydia also took the opportunity to present the Wilmington Lions with the Ohio Lions State Council of Governors banner. This banner represents all seven Ohio District Governors and their personal designed pins.
DG Lydia is the third Governor and first female Governor since the Ohio Lions were redistricted in 2016. Past District Governor Gary De Fayette from Wilmington was the first Governor to serve the new District 13OH6. Lions Clubs International which started its second century of service in 2017 with the Organizations first female International President, International President Gudrun Yngvadottir from Gardabaer, Iceland.
