Clear Vision for a Brighter Future: Early Detection Through Advanced Screening.
A child’s vision is critical to their success in and out of the classroom. However, many vision problems go undetected because children often don’t realize they aren’t seeing clearly. The Wisconsin Lions Foundation’s Vision Screening Project, in partnership with Lions International KidSight USA, is dedicated to identifying these issues early.
Using state-of-the-art “Spot” camera technology, our volunteers conduct non-invasive screenings that can detect several potential vision issues in seconds. This allows parents to seek professional care before these conditions impact a child’s development.
“85% of a child’s learning is visual. We are committed to ensuring every child in Wisconsin has the clear sight they need to succeed.”
Public Resources
- Set Up a Screening
- KidSight USA
Advanced Screening Technology
We utilize Welch Allyn Spot™ and PlusOptix Vision Screeners, which are handheld, portable devices that can screen both eyes at once from a comfortable distance of three feet, making it perfect for toddlers and students.
Measurable Early Intervention
Early detection is life-changing. Each year, our volunteers screen over 125,000 children across Wisconsin. By catching issues early, we provide more than 16,000 referrals to eye care professionals annually, preventing potential learning delays or permanent vision loss.
Community-Led Success
The Foundation empowers local Lions Clubs by providing the specialized equipment and comprehensive training needed to serve their neighborhoods. This grassroots network allows us to host free screening events at schools, daycares, and community health fairs in every corner of the state.
What We Do
Support the Mission
Your financial gift supports our ability to help those in need.
Set Up a Screening
Contact the vision screening chair in your area to schedule a screening event at your location.
Spread the Word
Share resources about vision screening with your community.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Why We Screen
Since the 1990’s, Lions from throughout the state of Wisconsin have volunteered their time to screen children for early detection of vision problems. When vision problems begin at a young age, a child may not know that they have a problem because their brain compensates for the poor vision. In fact, many young children with vision problems won’t complain about their vision, and symptoms can be challenging to notice. Approximately one in every four school-aged children and one in every twenty preschool-aged children experience some vision problems. Furthermore, some vision problems must be identified before the age of seven for the best chance of successful treatment.
Certified Lions conduct free vision screenings at schools, pre-schools, community centers, and community events to check for potential vision problems. The screenings are quick, and if a potential vision problem is identified, the child is referred to an eye health professional for further evaluation. The Wisconsin Lions Foundation (WLF) implements this statewide project in partnership with Lions Kidsight USA and local Lions Clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “Spot” vision screening?
It is a digital screening performed with a specialized camera that “photographs” the eyes. It doesn’t require the child to read a chart or even speak, which makes it highly effective for very young children.
Does this take the place of an eye doctor visit?
No. Our screening is designed to identify potential problems. If a child “fails” the screening, we provide a referral letter so the parent can take the child to a licensed Optometrist or Ophthalmologist for a full exam.
What specific issues can the camera detect?
The technology screens for several common conditions, including near-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), blurred vision (astigmatism), “lazy eye” (amblyopia), and unequal pupil size (anisocoria).
How much does a screening cost?
The service is provided free of charge by the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and local Lions Club volunteers.
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