#USA #Salt Lake City #Lions International #KidSight USA #Champion for Vision

Lions KidSight USA Recognized as 'Champion for Vision'

In a powerful recognition of its commitment to children's visual health, Lions KidSight USA (KidSight), a program initiated by Lions International, was presented with the Champion for Vision award at the recent annual meeting organized by the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) in Salt Lake City, Utah. This accolade is a testament to the program's dedication to preventing vision issues among the youth of the nation.

Launched in 2014, KidSight was created with a clear purpose: to address a crucial gap in pediatric healthcare. Many children do not undergo their first vision screenings until they enter school, which is often too late for effective treatment of certain eye conditions - particularly since the effectiveness of intervention diminishes dramatically after age six. The KidSight program aims to bridge this gap by providing free vision screenings at schools and daycare centers, reaching out to vulnerable populations before these children face irreversible vision impairment.

What sets KidSight apart is not just its focus on preschool-age children; the program extends screening to students through high school as well. To conduct these screenings, Lions volunteers utilize advanced screening devices that can detect visual disturbances efficiently. If a child is found to have vision problems, they are promptly referred to an eye care specialist for additional assessment and intervention.

The foundation of support for KidSight comes from the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), which provides grants to fund the essential screening equipment. Dr. Patti Hill, chairperson of LCIF, expressed her pride in the award, noting, “Lions International has advocated for eyesight causes for over a century. This award highlights the profound impact Lions are making on children's vision through KidSight.”

Dr. Edward Cordes, the retired optometrist and the chairman of KidSight USA, accepted the award, stating, “I am deeply honored to represent Lions International and the dedicated volunteers worldwide. It's crucial to understand that 80% of a child's learning and development is tied to having healthy, corrected vision.” He emphasized the importance of proactive screening initiatives that ensure children receive necessary interventions for their academic and social success.

Moreover, the Champion for Vision award is jointly issued by the Children's Eye Foundation of AAPOS and AAPOS itself, celebrating organizations and individuals who champion children's vision initiatives. Dr. Christie Morse, Executive Vice President of the Children's Eye Foundation, highlighted KidSight's contributions by stating, “The Lions KidSight USA program has rendered extraordinary support for vision screenings across the United States, successfully identifying thousands of children who require follow-up care.”

The program's vision screenings play a critical role in detecting children at risk for amblyopia and other related conditions, facilitating their referral for comprehensive eye exams. For those children who are uninsured or underinsured, the foundation offers the All Children See Program, where vetted volunteer pediatric ophthalmologists provide a year of complimentary eye care. So far, 103 volunteers have partnered in this initiative, helping over 60 children with necessary eye exams, glasses, and even surgeries.

To explore more about this vital work undertaken by the Lions KidSight USA program and learn about its initiatives, one can visit lionskidsightusa.org.

About Lions International

Lions International, comprising 1.4 million members across 49,000 clubs, is dedicated to addressing some of the world's pressing challenges through community service. By improving health and well-being and fortifying community support globally, they encapsulate the spirit of service and advocacy. Discover more about their initiatives at lionsclubs.org.