For more than 80 years, ever since Helen Keller spoke at the Lions Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, USA, Lions have been associated with sight. We are indeed Knights of the Blind. From infancy into old age, through the school years and then in the workforce, we've been there to assist the visually impaired. Our white canes, guide dogs and Braille books, as well as our vocational training and support for schools, have enabled those with vision impairments to lead richer and fuller lives. With SightFirst, we took our concern for the blind to a new level. We restore sight through cataract surgeries and prevent vision loss by bilding eye hospitals and clinics, distributing medication and training medical personnel.

SightFirst has been an incredible success. Since 1990, Lions have done more to prevent blindness and restore sight than in our previous 65 years as Knights of the Blind. Through SightFirst, Lions have prevented severe vision loss or restored sight to 27 million people - more than the population of Australia.

Lions are now at a crossroads - funds for SightFirst are exhausted. Campaign SightFirst II is absolutely essential for Lions to continue their mission of sight. No other group or government will step forward to prevent blindness if Lions don't. If nothing is done, experts say that the world's blind population could double from 37 milion to 74 million by 2020.

But we won't let that happen. We've raised more than US$113 million so far for the campaign and are on pace to reach teh $150 million initial goal. Even our challenge goal of $200 million is do-able - if every Lion remains committed to the campaign and takes concrete steps to support it. Please ensure that unnecessary blindness is a sourge of the past. Helen Keller and the Lions who first heeded her call are gone. But it's up to us to honour their legacy and keep the visually impaired and those threatened with vision loss foremost in our hearts and minds - and at the centre of our service.