Half Yearly Report 2025
National Committee members and all LEHP participants,
I’m sure all readers will be aware that I have set our 2025 calendar year screening target at 12,000 screenings. As at 30th June 2025, 8421 screenings have taken place around Australia and some, for the first time, in New Zealand. Should these numbers continue, we will once again exceed our target quite significantly. This is a wonderful endorsement of the level of support and commitment shown by all participants and on behalf of the National Committee may I express my sincere thanks to all involved.
Our technical partner, The Centre for Eye Health, has resolved to move in a different direction and have consequently discontinued their relationship with LEHP. Discussions have been held with Optometry Australia and I am able to report a very favourable outcome. A Memorandum of Understanding will soon be signed with this group who will continue to offer the same service as previously received.
Optometry Australia represents something like 85% of all optometrists in Australia and consequently have huge credibility in the vision profession. During our discussions they have described the Children’s Vision Screening program that we offer as being “Gold Standard” in the field of children’s vision screening.
During the period of 5th June to 26th June LEHP hosted 6 zoom meetings especially catering for Facilitators and Instructors. Nearly 60 members participated in the various forums and shared some experiences and good news stories. LEHP committee members were able to pass on some up-to-date information relative to paperwork and equipment and also shared some experiences. The exercise was considered worthwhile and consideration is being given to hosting similar forums every 6 months.
Last year Irene Braddock and myself along with our respective spouses attended the Multiple District 202 New Zealand, Multiple District Convention where we delivered a presentation on LEHP and hosted a LEHP stall.
Considerable interest was shown and since then Irene and Martin have returned to deliver workshops and training to the extent that they now have 34 registered screeners, 1 facilitator and 1 instructor all based in New Zealand where quite a number of screenings have already taken place. I would envisage the next stage being LEHP providing assistance to the MD 202 Cabinet with a view to organising the project across New Zealand in much the same way as the project is organised in Australia.
Over the past 12 months LEHP has engaged in a variety of PR matters including re badging the entire project, developing new merchandise and producing a series of videos all of which are available through Facebook or You Tube. Apart from having these additional resources available to show potential screening recipients they have served to publicise LEHP much more widely throughout the 201 Multiple District. This has resulted in greater support by way of increased screener numbers but just as importantly, a greater level of financial support by way of donations from Lions Clubs with funds donated being higher than ever before for which we are most grateful.
Children’s Vision Screening Program - Community Service at its Best
PDG Bryan Hearn OAM JP