The Lions Club International became known as the “Knights of the Blind” due to its strong commitment to vision-related causes. This designation was largely influenced by Helen Keller, who, in 1925, addressed the Lions Club at their international convention. She challenged the members to become “knights of the blind” and to engage actively in combating blindness and providing support to those with visual impairments.
Following her call to action, the Lions Club adopted sight conservation as a primary focus, leading to various initiatives, including vision screening programs, funding for eye surgeries, and supporting research on blindness. This mission solidified their identity as champions for the visually impaired and reinforced their long-standing dedication to humanitarian service.