Latest News White House Honors Lions Club International Member Paul Berman, OD for Special Olympics Role By Staff Wednesday, October 3, 2012 12:24 AM WASHINGTON, D.C.—Optometrist Paul Berman was honored at a ceremony at the White House yesterday for his work with Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes, a program that provides vision care for intellectually challenged individuals. Dr. Berman, who is the program’s founder and senior global clinical adviser, was one of 11 Lions Club International members who were recognized as “Champions of Change” for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities. “Volunteerism and community service make this country stronger. Lions Club members across the country are leading this charge at home and around the world,” said Jon Carson, deputy assistant to the president. “From providing educational opportunities to children and youth to their initiatives providing vision care for seniors and underserved communities, the work of these Champions of Change and Lion’s Club members knows no boundaries.” A member of the Hackensack Lions Club and a Lion for 20 years, Berman uses his skills as an optometrist to provide vision services. In addition, he is currently working on the Lions Lens project in partnership with Essilor, which will provide high-quality, low-cost eyeglasses for Lions’ humanitarian purposes worldwide. Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes is a program in 80 countries and more than 45 states that provides vision care for intellectually challenged individuals. Through the support of Lions Clubs International Foundation, Essilor and Safilo, more than 90,000 Special Olympics athletes now have prescription eyewear.