Causes: Disabilities, Eye Diseases, Blindness & Vision Impairments, Eye Diseases, Blindness & Vision Impairments Research, Health

Mission: Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc. (MLERFi) is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit dedicated to providing funding to institutions in the commonwealth of Massachusetts performing pure research related to the prevention and cure of eye-related diseases. We hold ourselves to a very high standard. 100% of the funds donated to MLERFi MUST be used to fund eye research projects. All donations we receive are deposited into interest-bearing accounts. The day-to-day operations of managing the organization are run entirely on this earned interest. All of our board members are volunteers; we have NO paid staff. We work with the belief that we can make a difference: preserving and/or restoring vision for those affected by vision loss.

Results: MLERFi has helped to establish three major research centers in Boston: the Howe Laboratory at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Laboratory at Boston University Medical Center, and the Lions Laboratory for Genetic Research at Schepens Eye Research Institute.

Target demographics: prevent vision loss, preserve sight, and in some cases restore vision

Geographic areas served: All across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Programs: Grants to medical and research facilities engaged in eye research

printing of literature to make general public aware of development and medical technology in the eye research field.

miscellaneous awards for achievement in the field of eye research or fundraising to benefit eye research.