The materials found on this page provide in-depth information related to SightFirst goals, priorities and policies. Prospective grant applicants should thoroughly review pertinent materials before applying.

Overview Publications

• SightFirst: Lions' Vision for All brochure
• SightFirst Strategic Plan
• SightFirst Grant Application
• SightFirst Videos

Questionnaires for Grant Applicants

As part of the SightFirst grant application process, please download and complete the corresponding questionnaire:

• Cataract
• Childhood Blindness 
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Eye Health Education
• Low Vision
• Trachoma
• Uncorrected Refractive Error

SightFirst Long-Range Planning Policy Papers
Before applying for a SightFirst grant, please carefully read the relevant policy papers for background information, eligibility and project priorities.

• Cataract
• Childhood Blindness
• Diabetic Retinopathy 
• Eye Health Education
• Low Vision
• Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)
• Rehabilitation and Training
• Research 
• Trachoma
• Uncorrected Refractive Error

2013 LCIF SightFirst Research Program: 
Letter of Intent deadline, January 11, 2013

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) provides funds to support public health research initiatives that evaluate and directly influence the operation of the SightFirst program, Lions’ premier initiative to strengthen eye care systems in underserved communities. SightFirst research grants of up to US$100,000 are available to support projects that investigate: (1) innovative approaches to reduce blindness from cataract; (2) innovative approaches to reduce blindness from trachoma; (3) innovative approaches to reduce and correct refractive errors in school-age children; or (4) epidemiological surveys in geographical areas where there is no recent data available or where repeated surveys may inform existing trends. Basic laboratory science research will not be supported under this program.

The deadline for Letters of Intent (LOI) is January 11, 2013. Invitations to submit full proposals will be distributed no later than February 1, 2013, with full proposals due by March 1, 2013. Grants will be approved by LCIF and commence in August 2013. 

For more information, download the 2013 Request for Proposals.  
Or, contact Phillip Albano, Manager, LCIF Sight Programs Department at +1-630-468-6895 or phillip.albano@lionsclubs.org.

Other topics of interest:

• Advocacy
• Comprehensive Eye Care
• SightFirst Grant Deadlines 

For the list of approved equipment for SightFirst funding, please review the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness VISION 2020 Standard List.