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” or “PlusOptix” 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
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
How is my child’s vision screened?
Lions utilize either a Spot or PlusOptix device to screen vision. Both devices use infrared light to capture images of the eyes from a few feet away, analyzing how the light reflects off the retina to quickly detect potential vision problems.
What is the training process for the vision screeners and how can I get trained?
Currently, the WLF is only able to train and certify Lions for vision screening. If you are not a Lion, please contact your local Lions Club to get involved first. For Lions, we hold trainings at various conventions around the state. The training is approximately 1-2 hours. Contact your area’s Vision Screening Chair for information about the next training.
How do I set up a vision screening in my community?
To set up a vision screening, please contact your area’s Vision Screening Chair.
My child was referred during a screening. What does that mean?
If your child is referred, this simply means that a potential vision problem has been identified by the screening device. Parents/guardians should contact their local eye health professional to set up a comprehensive vision exam for further evaluation of their child in this situation. If you do not have vision insurance and are unable to afford this follow up evaluation, please contact your school nurse or the Lions who conducted your vision screening.
What specific issues can the devices 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 screenings are provided free of charge by local Lions Clubs.
Comprehensive Resource Library
Access our full collection of vision screening resources.