Patron Program

The Patron Fund Program provides financial assistance to uninsured or under-insured Kentuckians in need of medically necessary eye surgeries. The program has assisted over 200 people in the last five years.

Geographic Scope: Kentucky (requires referral from Kentucky Lions Club member)

Focus Areas:

• Medically necessary eye surgeries
• Payment made directly to doctors' offices, surgery centers, and anesthesiologists

Eligibility Requirements:

• Individual must be referred by a Kentucky Lions Club member
• Must verify medical need for surgery
• Must verify financial need (household income and expenses documentation required)
• Application must be completed and submitted to KLEF

Funding Process:

• Applications reviewed by Patron Committee
• Written approval letter sent to patient and healthcare providers
• Maximum amount per patient: $2,500
• Payment only to participating doctors' offices, surgery centers, and anesthesiologists

Contact Information:

• Phone: 502-583-0564 (ext. 103)
• Email: Not specified
• Address: 301 East Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY 40202

Patron Fund Recognition Levels:

• Life Patron: $100 donation (Life Patron Pin)
• Silver Patron: $500 total donation (Silver Patron Pin)
• Gold Patron: $1,000 total donation (Gold Patron Pin)

How to Apply for Patron Program Assistance

1. Get Referral: Obtain a referral from a Kentucky Lions Club member
2. Complete Application: Complete the Patron Program application
3. Submit Documentation: Include with application:
   • Verification of medical need for surgery
   • Verification of financial need (household income and expenses)
4. Submit to KLEF: Submit completed application to KLEF
5. Committee Review: KLEF sends application to Patron Committee for review and vote
6. Notification: Patient and healthcare providers receive written approval letter

Required Materials:

• Completed application form
• Medical need verification
• Financial need documentation (household income and expenses)
• Signature from Kentucky Lions Club member on application