With the start of the 2017 school year, the Tellico Village Lions have commenced the annual vision screening program in Loudon County schools.
Thanks to new technology, club members can do more than screen for visual acuity. The procedure can now detect eye diseases at all ages.
The club acquired the capability through the acquisition of a Plusoptix Vision Screening Device. The cost of $5,900 was covered thanks to the support of Tellico Village residents. In the past, the club used a digital camera to screen children younger than 6 years old. The new device can screen individuals regardless of age. Screening can be accomplished for children as young as 6 months old.
The camera requires minimal training, completes a screen in less than one second and is fully automatic. Once the photo is taken, the operator is given immediate feedback with either a “pass” or “refer” command and a printout of the results.
The camera can detect near or far sightedness, blurred vision, unequal refractive power, unequal pupil size and eye misalignment. A report contains data about the person, a copy of the photo of the eyes, specific results for each of the categories of visual problems and a “pass” or “refer” notification at the bottom. For those with a “refer” annotation, they can take the printout to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.
Another advantage of the new technology is a faster response from the Vanderbilt Lions Eye center for diagnosis.
The initial use of the device took place at Lenoir City Intermediate/Middle School, where more than 200 students were screened. This was followed by sessions at several other Lenoir City and Loudon County schools. In the most recent week of screenings, 400 students were screened, and 45 received “refer” messages. This level of analysis is much more powerful than before and will help improve eye health in Loudon County.
These initial sessions will be followed by screenings at numerous day care and Head Start centers and schools throughout the county. By the end of the school year, it is anticipated that more than 6,000 students will have been screened.
The device will also be used at the monthly health fairs conducted at the Good Samaritan Center in Lenoir City as well as other vision screening programs conducted for adults throughout the year. At Good Sam, an optometrist is part of the team, so evaluation of the problem can be made on site. If glasses are needed, a prescription can be written. If the individual is indigent, based on U.S. poverty guidelines, the Lions Club provides free glasses.
Programs such as these are only possible because of the support given to various Lions Club fundraising activities. The recent Oktoberfest, with some 580 attendees, raised more than $4,000, which goes a long way to paying for expensive equipment and free glasses.
