Charity tag days are a familiar fixture of life in Bermuda, but often the general public is unaware of what happens to the money after it has been dropped into the collection cans.

Each and every penny raised during the Lions and Lioness Clubs' annual White Cane Tag Day -- which begins today in Hamilton and St. George's, and continues throughout the Island tomorrow -- helps Bermudians who suffer eye problems.

For the past 22 years, the visually impaired have received support from the clubs ranging from prescription glasses to emergency overseas surgery.

The organisations' Sight Conservation Committee, which has members from all seven of the Island's Lions and Lioness Clubs, is charged with ensuring tag day proceeds and other donations are put to their best use.

The committee provides financial assistance as well as information and telephone numbers, and often contacts hospitals or doctors on behalf of people with vision problems.

Committee chairperson Mrs. Jane Amaral said without the generosity and support of the public, they would be unable to offer this much-needed aid.

She said the clubs are hoping to raise at least $12,000 over the next two days, as the tag day is the sight programmes' main source of funds.

Almost $11,000 has been spent since last July to assist more than 50 Bermudians who needed varying degrees of support.

Mrs. Amaral cautioned that not everyone who applies receives help. Each confidential aid request is reviewed, and the Sight Conservation Committee conducts a standard background check to establish whether assistance is a necessity.

"Sometimes we find there is no legitimate need,'' she explained. "For example, we'll help with glasses, but its always a basic pair of frames, not a fancy pair. If somebody insists on fancy frames, I'm afraid they will have to pay for them themselves.'' But Mrs. Amaral said "99 out of 100'' requests are genuine, and that there are many more Bermudians who are not receiving the support they need.

"Some people don't know the help is available, and others don't like to ask because of their pride,'' she said. "They don't want to ask a charity for assistance.'' The committee receives referrals from school counsellors, head teachers, the Social Assistance Department, Medical Social Services and the Island's Lions and Lioness Clubs.

Individuals may call the Lions information number listed in the telephone directory.

Local clubs also "network'' with overseas Lions to arrange accommodation, transportation and other assistance for locals who must undergo tests or surgical procedures overseas.

Numerous visual aid items have been obtained by the Lions and Lioness Clubs over the years, including tape players at the Hamilton Public Library for people who are unable to read regular print.

Sight Conservation Committee member Mrs. Phyllis Harshaw is in the process of starting a support group for people who have recently lost their sight, or are in the process of losing it.

Mrs. Harshaw said she hopes the group's meetings will become an informal forum where experiences, life-style tips and information on visual aids can be shared, and fears and feelings can be discussed.

Friends, relatives and care givers are also invited to join. Anyone interested in participating should contact Mrs. Harshaw at 236-3982 during evenings.

WHITE CANE APPEAL -- Lioness Mrs. Jane Amaral, sells the first White Cane tag of 1993 to Lord Waddington yesterday.