Eye sight screening for children
WHAT IS KidSight MD5M?
Lions KidSight MD5M is a nationwide program that safeguards the vision of children 6 months through 6 years. According to educational experts, 80% of learning is visual. So, if children can’t see well, it is much more difficult for them to learn efficiently. Yet most young children don’t get their vision screened until they have problems learning or paying attention in school. By then, it may already be too late. Unless vision problems are detected early and corrected, they risk becoming permanent by age 7.
Lions in the USA already screen over a million kids per year through state-wide and local programs often known as KidSight. Lions KidSight MD5M is part of a national coalition that brings together Lions programs that screen preschool and school age kids. Our mission is to ensure eye screenings and follow-up care are given to all kids. To do this, our Crosslake Ideal Lions club will work with local schools, daycare centers and community events where children are present to increase the number of childhood eye screenings in our area.
About 7-15% of kids screened – nearly 4 million nationally – will be referred for a follow-up exam by an eye-care professional. Approximately 5% of all children in this age group will have amblyopia, a treatable disorder that can result in permanently reduced vision when not addressed by an early age. The screening devices detect risk factors for amblyopia, such as strabismus (eyes that cross or wander out), refractive errors and unequal vision between the two eyes, and potentially even more serious issues such as cataracts and eye cancer.
For any child needing a referral, it will be recommended that the parents or guardian take the child to an eye care practitioner. A follow up will be completed to be sure the children get the care they need.
If you would like more information regarding eye sight screening, for your children, please contact Crosslake Ideal Lions Club at the following email: info@CrosslakeIdealLions.org
