Welcome to LCVI
The Lions Center for the Visually Impaired preserves vision, fosters independence and enhances the quality of life for adults in the East Bay who are blind or at risk for vision loss and serves as a trusted source of information and expertise on blindness in the community.
Are you losing your sight? Are you worried about a friend or family member who shows signs of vision loss? We're here to help.
The Lions Center for the Visually Impaired offers services focused on early detection and intervention in order to prevent or slow vision loss from age-related eye disease. We also give older adults in the East Bay the tools and skills they need to maintain their health, independence and quality of life despite vision loss.
LCVI Board of Directors
President - Barbara Chambers
In 1925 Helen Keller implored the Lions to become knights of the blind and here we are today. As a member of the Martinez Lions Club, it made sense to become involved in LCVI. I can’t think of a better way to help our community. LCVI is continually working to find new ways to improve the lives of the visually impaired people that we come in contact with.
First Vice President - Mac Coates
Mac was born on June 20, 1950, in Los Angeles. When Mac was in second grade, he was placed in classes for children with limited eyesight. He graduated from Manual Arts High School on January of 1969. He found a job with the May Company Department Store in February of 1969 as a Cook. Unfortunately, with the increasing loss of his vision, Mac had to leave his job in October of 1978. He lost his sight to Retinitis pigmentosa (RP)
Mac became a member of the Blind in Los Angeles and learned how to live as a Blind individual. He was also a member of Junior Blind for 25 years and President for 12 years of Junior Active Blind Inc. Mac moved to Pittsburg in 2008 and became a client first and then a Board member of the Lions Center for the Visually Impaired (LCVI) and found a new life.
Mac went on to serve as Charter President of the Lions Club, President of LCVI Board, and last year Zone Chair for District 4-C3 and is currently a member of the Pittsburg LCVI Lions Club.
Mac is an inspiration to many individuals associated with LCVI. He has a positive attitude and always has a song to sing.
Immediate Past President - Bill Ridle
Secretary - Darlene Ridle
I joined Lions in 1994 and was introduced to the Lions Center for the Visually Impaired (previously known as (Lions Blind Center of Diablo Valley) within the first couple of months of becoming a Lion.
I have volunteered over the years working with the clients, participating in work parties to do yard work, painting and small renovations at the center as well as helping with fundraising. Our most recent project is a vegetable garden and the planting and maintaining milkweed plants to attract the Monarch butterfly.
Weekly I am working with the clients which have become a Lions club has been very rewarding. We have been involved in several projects.
Treasurer - Calvin “Skip” Zehnder
I have been a Lion for over 35 years and held various offices including District Governor of District 4-C3 in 2018-2019. I am a retired accountant. My hobbies are reading, boating and bowling. I have always been a supporter of Lions Center for the Visually Impaired/LCVI and when I was asked to run for Treasurer I was happy to do so.
Directors (3 Year)
Sue Langhorst
I am married with 2 children and 3 grandchildren, I am also a retired teacher. At home I enjoy knitting, baking, and some crafts.
I have been a Lion for about 20 years. I’ve been treasurer and president of our club and Zone Chair and Administrative Assistant for the district. Student Speakers are my passion. I’ve served as District Chair. I am a Director of the Student Speaker Foundation.
I have supported LCVI through the years and felt it was time for me to be more active in my support. Being a Board member lets me do this.
Stu Griffin
Linda Barbar
I am a member of Byron Delta Lions Club. I am retired from the work force having spent a 20-year career in semiconductor technology. I now spend my time golfing, spending time with my family and doing volunteer work
Directors (2 Year)
Angela Bruno Castro
Tony Hong
Ed Crawley
Manil Shrestha
Directors (1 Year)
Debbie Finnegan
Rod Linn
Barbara Griffin
Raymon Oliver
Lions District 4C3 Governor - Laxmi Chaudhary
I am currently serving as the 4-C3 District Governor which serves the communities in Alameda and Contra Costa County.