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Conducting Medical Mission Trips

Summary: 
Gregory L. Jeffrey has been a member of the Fort Wayne Central Lions Club since 1985. When Gregory went on his first mission trip in the mid '90s, he knew nothing about eyeglass missions. Now, he leads the annual trips to Central America to provide vital medical services to people in need.

Gregory L. JeffreyGregory L. Jeffrey is being honored as a Champion of Change for leading annual trips to Central America to provide vital medical services to people in need.


I knew nothing about eyeglass missions when I traveled on my first mission trip in the mid ‘90s. The experience was unforgettable and very rewarding. Fitting glasses on a person’s face and seeing their reactions to clear vision is an experience you will never forget. Yes, you give your time and effort to go on an eye glass mission, but the rewards are many.

The success of our missions requires a total team effort for the year leading up to the trip. We collect more than 1,000 pairs of used glasses per month and store donated supplies and medical equipment in our warehouse. We collaborate with Lions clubs in the destination city as well as with hospitals and professionals within our community. Our missions provide life-changing opportunities for those we serve. The people we serve would not have their vision restored without our help. As Lions, we are part of an international community of volunteers. This project is just one of the many ways our clubs exemplify humanitarian work and demonstrate the power of working together across borders.

Gregory L. Jeffrey of North Webster, Ind., has been a member of the Fort Wayne Central Lions Club since 1985.