Approximately 400 students in the Morton and White Pass school districts received annual vision screenings Oct. 8 through an effort led by the Aberdeen Lions Club and Cosmopolis Lions Club, with assistance from the Mineral Lake Lions Club.
The screenings served students from elementary through seventh grade in both districts, bringing volunteers and portable screening equipment into local schools to help identify potential vision concerns, according to a news release from the Mineral Lake Lions Club.
The effort continues a commitment to vision that Lions have carried for more than a century.
In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions Clubs International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, challenging members: “Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?”
Lions accepted her challenge, making blindness prevention and service to people with vision loss a lasting focus of their work, according to the news release.
This year’s screenings coincided with the opening of Lions’ worldwide Vision Week of Service, October 8-18.
Vision Week begins a series of three global service efforts, with youth and environment-focused weeks to follow in 2027.
Volunteers used Plusoptix vision screeners to perform quick, non-invasive screenings. These specialized devices check for refractive concerns such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and differences in focusing power between the eyes.
They also help identify risk factors for amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye.”
But screening is only the first step. It does not provide a diagnosis or replace a comprehensive eye examination.
Referrals were sent home with students whose screening results indicated a potential concern. Parents are asked to arrange an examination with an optometrist or ophthalmologist, who can determine whether treatment or glasses are needed.
The annual screenings give families an opportunity to learn about possible vision problems and seek follow-up care. Returning each year provides another opportunity to identify concerns as children grow.
For the three participating Lions clubs, the project carries Keller’s challenge into local classrooms, reaching hundreds of children through cooperation with school staff, the news release stated.
And the opportunity to serve extends to other community members.
The Mineral Lake Lions Club meets once a month and participates in service projects and community events throughout the area.
Anyone interested in learning more or getting involved is encouraged to contact this year’s club President Steve Mayer at 901-359-1858.
For additional event information, visit the Mineral Lake Lions Club on Facebook or its website at http://www.minerallakelionsclub.com.
