Ruthy Stephens, community engagement coordinator for the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation in Chamblee, talked to the Bainbridge Lions Club Wednesday about the many services they provide for the blind and visually impaired throughout the state.

“We provide 28 mobile clinics throughout the state,” Stephens said. “Last year the Lighthouse provided over 400 eye surgeries, 4,860 pairs of eyeglasses and 2,620 eye exams.”

Stephens also pointed out that the Lighthouse provides hearing aids services.

“There were 962 Georgians who received hearing aids through the Lighthouse last year,” Stephens said. “Our mission is to provide vision and hearing services through education, detection, prevention and treatment. Through our services we provide greater independence and increased quality of life for Georgians in financial need.”

Stephens said that the Lighthouse’s employees constantly strive to build a better tomorrow by bringing individuals into a world of sight and sound.

“In the last year we have helped more people than ever before,” Stephens continued. “We have provided vision and hearing to over 7,000 people of all ages.”

As the community engagement coordinator, Stephens’ duties also include facilitating the Kid Sight USA Vision screenings program and serving as a community liaison.

Before joining the Georgia Lions’ Lighthouse Foundation, Stephens, who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from the University of Georgia, worked in Disaster Services for the American Red Cross for more than 20 years.