Local Lions to get new Iowa Kidsight camera
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By Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — A vision screening can identify issues when a child cannot recognize or describe a problem. Iowa KidSight, a vision-screening program of the Lions Clubs of Iowa and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Stead Family Children’s Hospital, offers free vision screenings for children 6 months old through kindergarten.
Vision screenings are performed by Lions Club volunteers in communities throughout Iowa by taking a photo of a child’s eyes with a specialized camera. After screenings are complete, the results are interpreted by vision specialists at Stead Family Children’s Hospital. If a potential vision problem is detected, parents will receive a referral letter and a list of local ophthalmologists and optometrists to contact for further eye care.
The equipment to conduct these screening is expensive and critical in early disease detection. The Mount Ayr/Diagonal Lions Clubs have been conducting these screening for nearly 20 years. The Lions Club got their first digital camera almost 14 years ago which has enabled the Lions Club volunteers to conduct nearly 1,800 screenings. These screenings resulted in discovering 115 local cases for referral. The referrals are forwarded on to a certified ophthalmology center at the University of Iowa and Stead Family Children’s Hospital for further evaluation and treatment recommendations.
Specialized equipment, like these digital cameras, need to be updated from time to time to ensure the highest degree of accuracy and integration with the newest technologies. The Lions Club, with help from the two certified volunteers qualified to do screenings. Sandy Pierschbacher and Rosemary Hullinger applied for and received a grant through HELP POD, run through the school systems in Diagonal and Mount Ayr. The $1,000 grant was applied toward the overall cost of a new camera which came in at $9,495. Additional donations were supplied by The American Legion Auxiliary, SAL (Sons of American Legion) and the United Methodist Men and the American Legion.
Once the new camera is received, Iowa Kidsight will begin training for the local volunteers on the new equipment. The foundation also encourages new volunteers to participate in the training which would enable the Lions Club to expand their testing calendar.
The Kidsight program has conducted 853,949 screenings in the 20 years they have been doing the test. These screenings resulted in 50,435 referrals. Early detection and treatment of a vision problems can prevent amblyopia (lazy eye). It can also make a difference in a child’s ability to learn and excel. The members of the Lions Club chapters in Ringgold County are excited about the new equipment and are anxious to get started as soon as the camera arrives. Expected equipment time is scheduled for later this year. The Lion’s Club was hopeful the equipment would arrive in time for the beginning of the new school year this coming fall.
