Volunteers visit Waupaca schools
Submitted Photo
The Waupaca Lions Club screened the vision of about 600 Waupaca students last month.
Members did so at Waupaca Learning Center, Waupaca Middle School, as well as Chain O’ Lakes Elementary and Chain Exploration Center.
The club found 49 students were out of range, according to its SPOT Vision Camera, and recommended they see an eye doctor for a follow-up exam.
Using the SPOT Vision screening significantly reduced the amount of time it took to check their eyes.
The screener is jointly owned by District 27 B2 (Clintonville Lions, Bear Creek Lions, Manawa Lions, Iola Lions, Weyauwega-Fremont Lions and Waupaca Lions).
The vision screening devices have been used in the district and zone since 2013.
There are 68 clubs in the district.
Last year, Lions screened more than 13,000 children .
The Lions’ ultimate goal is to screen every school-aged child annually in the state and possibly ntion at no cost to them regardless of their economic situation.
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, vision problems are the single most prevalent disabling condition among American children.
By the time they reach school, one quarter of American children suffer from a vision problem.
Almost 12.5 million school-aged children may be unable to see properly in the classroom setting, and 10% of children from ages 9-15 who need glasses have them.
In Wisconsin, state legislation recommends each school request an eye exam for students entering kindergarten.