Lions Club is offering high tech device to help children with vision

“If you could save a child’s sight with the press of a button, wouldn’t you?”

This question was presented to me Jan. 19th during a meeting with Jim Jankowski and Jack Sans, Orland Park Lions Club board members. They distributed an informational packet detailing KidSight USA – a new national initiative that our local chapter of the Lions Club is featuring, thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Richard Fritz – and then demonstrated the new technology. They also expressed their hope to get the information out to the public about this revolutionary screening.

Providing general information about the Lions Club first, they informed of how each chapter has different means to raise funds and distribute them to deserving families. Their mission, though mainly focused on vision screenings and corrections, also include delivering holiday baskets for Orland Township for families in need; and offering community service hours to high school students by way of utilizing their skills and enthusiasm for the Haunted Woods, Orland Days, and Christmas Tree sales.

Raising funds, as explained by Jim Jankowski, has to change with the times. “When we see a fundraiser beginning to run its course, we try to change it up or go in another direction to keep our efforts fresh.”

Jack Sans, former president of the Lions Club, also cites dedicated members as the cornerstone of their local chapter. Lions Club members are working people in our community. Time spent volunteering is done on their own time, and with the sense of community as their driving spirit. That is why this new KidSight USA initiative is so important to them.

As a club that provides vision screenings and vouchers for eyeglasses, they explained that this new tool, the PlusoptiX Mobile Screener, can more accurately detect vision problems in children between ages six months to 26 years old. The device is non-invasive, friendly looking, quick, and easy. They demonstrated the hand held device – which looked more like a combination of a game controller and computer tablet – and within seconds had an accurate reading. The friendly face that the children will see may make them smile, and, by standing the required three feet away – no contact is necessary.

The gentlemen – who have full time jobs and families – are interested in getting this device into the schools so that EVERY child has an opportunity to receive vision screenings, in the hopes that some of the easily correctable vision problems may be reversed or corrected before it is too late to adjust.

Imagine if children had the opportunity to see better in a classroom, instead of being frustrated and not knowing why. A number of vision problems that when discovered early enough may be able to be corrected, and may not mean a lifetime of glasses but a correction early.

Donna Rehm, School District 135 team leader for the nursing staff, was interested in the new device, however, the nursing staff does not have the authorization to implement new instruments without approval from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and proper training. It is unclear whether the state is reviewing the device for school use.

Rehm informed, “Our current screening instrument is the HOTV, which has been in use for over 20 years, is very reliable and inexpensive.” She also reminded, “there is a new requirement for ALL registered kindergarten students to have a professional eye examination before beginning school.”

Rehm acknowledged all of the work the Lions Club has done for vision awareness, and urges students who receive screening or eyeglass vouchers to thank the Lions Club for their generosity. Teaching the entire child is a goal of School District 135, and by learning good habits, children become better citizens.

Caitlin McElroy, health services coordinator for the Orland Township Health Department, spoke regarding approval for health screenings that are held throughout the year for Orland Township. She has received the information about the device, and was interested in investigating it further to see if it could be offered during screenings.

“Orland Township is aware of the Lions Club’s recent vision acquisition and is interested in pursuing the idea,” McElroy said “On a preliminary basis, it does look as if it aligns with the township’s health goals and could potentially be a valuable addition to our current programming. Preventing future vision issues in our children is a huge priority, and if this machine allows us to do so, we’d be happy to utilize it.”

She reminded, “As with any vision screening, students will need to see a vision professional to have a proper diagnosis and course of treatment.”

This new technology is just one of the many services that the Lions Club provides, as they remain committed to service to our community. Check out their projects, events, and other information at: www.orlandparklionsclub.com