MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristin Germann
P.R. Specialist
Clermont County Public Library
2548 US Route 50, PO Box 875
Owensville, OH  45160
O: 513-735-7166
F: 513-735-7140
germankr@oplin.org

The Northeastern Lions Club makes a “visionary” donation to the Owensville Branch of the Clermont County Public Library.  The Northeastern Lions have donated a vision magnifier, which will help those suffering from sight problems read books, newspapers, and view photographs.

The Owensville Branch was able to receive the vision magnifier partly in thanks to a grant from the Ohio Lions Club Foundation. The Foundation provided half the cost of the machine through a grant; the local Northeastern Lions Club generously matched the donation.

The vision magnifier uses a camera that enlarges the print onto a large television screen in full color or enhanced black and white.  The Lions Club wants to help those in the community with vision problems enjoy the library.  Known worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired, Lions Clubs International are committed to sight conservation.

Arthur Price, of Miami Township, suffers from macular degeneration.  He says the new vision magnifier at the Owensville Branch will help him enjoy reading. The lighted screen helps him to read print that normally he would be unable to see. According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease.  It’s the leading cause of blindness for those aged 55 and older in the United States; affecting more than 10 million Americans.  Macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, known as the macula. The macula is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye. It affects the ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors, and see objects in fine detail. As people age, their chances for developing eye diseases increase dramatically.  Mr. Price encourages people over the age of 55 to have their eyes checked regularly.

Elizabeth Fiene, Owensville Branch manager, says, “We are very thankful for the generosity of the Lions Club. The vision magnifier will provide a wonderful benefit to our visually impaired library users."

The Goshen Branch of the Clermont County Public Library also has a vision magnifier, which was donated by the Goshen Lions Club earlier this year.