Lions District 20-E2 1 WELCOME Early Childhood Vision Screening Program

Who are Lions?

Over 1.3 Million Members 45,000 Clubs Worldwide Over 200 Countries and Geographic Areas Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) ranked the #1 Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in the World (2007) We are Global!

A History of Service Founded in 1917 by Chicago businessman Melvin Jones, the International Association of Lions Clubs began with his belief that local business clubs should expand their horizons from purely professional concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large.

Mission Statement To Create and Foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation.

Lions Motto “We Serve”

District 20-E2 “The Finger Lakes District” Forty-One Clubs Over 1200 members Serving Ten NY Counties

District 20-E2 − Wayne − Ontario − Seneca − Cayuga − Yates − Schuyler − Tompkins − Steuben − Chemung − Tioga

In 1925 Helen Keller addressed the Lions Clubs International Convention Challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" Since then, we have worked tirelessly to aid the blind and visually impaired Why Vision?

SightFirst I & II since 1990 –Raised US$343 million to fund SightFirst –Awarded US$255 million for 1005 vision projects in 102 countries –Provided 7.68 million cataract surgeries –Prevented serious vision loss for 30 million –Improved eye care services for hundreds of millions –Provided 147 million treatments for river blindness –Built or expanded 315 eye hospitals/clinics/wards What have we Done?

SightFirst I & II (cont.) –Upgraded 389 eye centers with equipment –Provided management training for 186 facilities –Trained 659,000 ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses, other professional eye care /village health workers –Launched world's first-ever initiative to combat childhood blindness in partnership with the World Health Organization. The 35 pediatric eye care centers established or strengthened have impacted the lives of 112 million children What have we Done?

Why Vision Screening? Millions of children will start school this year with a vision problem that may inhibit their ability to learn According to one study, approximately 60% of students identified as “problem learners” have undetected vision problems

Why Vision Screening? According to the American Optometric Association: 1 in 4 children have an undetected vision problem 1 in 6 school-age children experience learning difficulties that are attributed to vision condition

Why Vision Screening? It is estimated vision accounts for as much as 80% of the learning process for a child Reading Writing Chalkboard Computer Use Even sports and the arts rely on healthy vision

Why Vision Screening? One of the most important things parents can do to help ensure their children's ability to learn is to take them for a comprehensive eye exam

Why Vision Screening? Our goals are: −Reach out to parents, schools and caregivers to emphasize the importance of identifying common potential vision problems early −Conduct vision screening sessions on as many children under age 6 as possible to identify those needing referral for common issues −Encourage all parents to seek comprehensive eye exams for their children to diagnose and correct conditions before they impact learning

How Does it Work? PediaVision S09 Screener Portable Screening Unit (4 available) Trained Screeners from Local Clubs Local Contacts Familiar Settings Parental Permission Simple/Non- Intrusive Pass/Refer Result

Ideally first screening prior to age 1 Annually to age 6 How Does it Work?

What it screens for: –Near-sightedness (myopia) –Far-sightedness (hyperopia) –Unequal refractive power (anisometropia) –Irregular Shaped Eye (astigmatism) –Pupil size deviations (anisocoria) –Eye misalignment (strabismus) –Eye opacity (cataracts) 95% Accuracy on Referrals How Does it Work?

Screenings have limitations: –Do not screen for many eye diseases or eye health issues –Screenings do not detect about 35% of those who should be referred –Not a replacement for a comprehensive exam by an eye doctor If parents see symptoms or suspect an issue the child should see an eye doctor How Does it Work?

Lions are dedicated as an organization to the elimination of preventable blindness Lions are part of and dedicated to the service of their communities Youth Programs are an integral part of Lionism Lions live up to our motto “We Serve” Why Do We Do It?

It is personally rewarding knowing you may have helped a child may avoid learning issues associated with vision problems.

Why Do We Need Your Help? Every child should have a chance to excel unimpeded by correctable vision issues There are underserved communities There are children not being reached There are parents not being reached with the knowledge of vision’s impact on learning and availability of this service

How Can You Help? Help increase awareness in your community and schools Invite your local Lions Club to do screenings at your school Become a Lion to help with screenings and serve the community Join us in our effort to help our youth!

How Can You Help? For more information: –District Contact Info –Club Contact Info

How Can You Help? Will You Help Us, Help Them? Help Them?

Lions District 20-E2 27 Thank You! Early Childhood Vision Screening Program