What happens when little Johnny can’t see the blackboard or little Susie can’t read the print in her book?
According to the Stayton Lions Club, undiagnosed vision problems is one of the most common and overlooked early learning obstacles for children. To combat the problem, members will perform vision screening this month on all students in the North Santiam School District’s elementary and middle schools as well as St. Mary Catholic School.
“In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions at their international convention and challenged them to become ‘knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness,’” said David Nielson, explaining how the yearly tradition started.
“As a result, sight and hearing support have been at the forefront of Lions Clubs activities, including the vision screenings we perform annually for local students.”
Nielson said Lions Clubs across Oregon participate in the school vision screenings though the established Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation.
Spot Vision Screeners will be provided to the local Lions Club by this foundation, which is an approved vendor by the Oregon Department of Education for school vision screening services, Nielson said.
According to Nielson, the portable screening device is held about three feet from the child and when the focus point locks on to the eye’s retina, it instantly records a complete reading of both eyes.
“They also work through a child’s existing eyeglasses, which should be worn during the screening to see if the prescription lenses are still adequate,” Nielson said.
Screenings are scheduled for Oct. 19 at Mari-Linn and Stayton Elementary; Oct. 26 for Stayton Intermediate, Stayton Middle and Sublimity Schools. St. Mary School kindergarten, third and eighth grades will be screened on Oct. 19. Parents should receive permission forms prior to those dates.
“The SPOT Scanners screen for up to 11 different vision health issues,” Nielson said. “Each student is given a printed copy of the screening results to take home to their parents. Those with detected problems should see their family’s local vision service provider.
“According to Michelle Young, nurse at NSSD and screening coordinator with us, there are two different vision assistance programs that the district may be able to use to help families in need, Sight for Students and KEX Kids,” he added. “They have a staff member that can check to see what program the family may qualify for.
“ODE reimburses districts up to $3.20 per student and that covers the cost of the screening system,” he said. “Local Lions Club members provide free volunteer service to administer the screenings.
“The cost of the screening system for St. Mary is not reimbursed by ODE and could be around $300,” he said. “It must be covered privately, either out of our club’s projects funds or by other arrangement. I believe this year our club agreed to cover half the cost of screening at St. Mary.”
As funds allow, the Stayton Lions also helps those in the community who need and financially qualify for vision aid assistance.
The Lions’ biggest fundraiser, the annual bark dust sale, is no longer being held. Current projects include: garage sale, Sept. 10; bottle/can drive; butter braids sales; Fourth of July parade entry fees; and private contributions.
“People can also look for Stayton Lions Club on BottleDrop to donate funds,” Nielson said. “Donations are always gladly accepted.”
The Stayton Lions also collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids, which can be dropped off at the main collection box at 510 N. Third Ave., Stayton. There is also a small collection box inside Sublimity Eye Care, and at the Scio Post Office.
For more information, visit www.staytonlionsclub.org.
