PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO), the preeminent professional association for medical and osteopathic physicians who specialize in vision care, recently recognized the Bonita Springs Lions Eye Clinic with the James W. Clower, Jr., MD Community Service Award at its Annual Meeting, Masters in Ophthalmology, held June 28-30 in Palm Beach, FL.

Established in honor of James W. Clower, Jr., MD, this annual award recognizes a Florida-based ophthalmologist or organization that has made the greatest contribution of time and service to the community.

The Bonita Springs Lions Club created an independent eye clinic for the medically indigent on its campus in 2007. The facility provides eye examinations and therapeutic care for adults and children who have no public or private health insurance. It is estimated that the clinical and administrative staff will evaluate and treat more than 1,500 patients this year.

The Bonita Springs Lions Eye Clinic received two grants last year – from the Lions Club International Foundation, and a $95,000 Impact Grant from the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation. The facilities were recently renovated and expanded by adding more rooms, including a surgical procedure room allowing them to provide free Pterygium surgeries and Laser trabeculoplasties.

The Bonita Springs Lions Eye Clinic has been steadily growing to serve the needy in the local communities as demand has expanded for free services. The clinical and administrative staff is composed of experienced professionals including a retired hospital president, a board-certified ophthalmologist serving as medical director, and a chief executive officer with many years of broad management experience. The clinic is staffed by volunteer phthalmologists and optometrists.

###

ABOUT THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
The Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) has a rich history of serving patients since its founding in 1939 as the Florida Society of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. Today, the organization represents more than 500 physician members throughout the state and is focused on advancing patient care and protecting the medical specialty of ophthalmology. For more information, please visit the FSO website at www.mdeye.org.