Lewiston Lions youth eye-screening a welcome event

By Regina Cecconi

Lewiston Community Lions President

The Lewiston Community Lions, with the assistance of the Town of Niagara Lions, held a successful eye-screening event on Monday, May 30, during the Memorial Day luncheon at Lewiston No. 1 Volunteer Fire Co.'s firehall. A total of 21 children were screened. Of that total, three were referred to see a family eye doctor.

Almost every child at the luncheon was screened, and parents said they were happy to take advantage of the free service. The Lions received many thanks, and were pleased to have been included in the day's events.

"Every screening is important, as that means we are able to make parents aware of a potential problem early so they can seek consultation," Lion Sheila Zuhlke said. "Some children do not realize they are not seeing things how they should be, and these screenings could possibly save a child's vision.

"We are fortunate to have access to this technology, and be able to bring it free of charge to our community."

According to educational experts, 80 percent of learning is visual. So a child who cannot see well may have learning problems. The Lions See program concentrates on screening children ages 6 months to 6 years, as this is the time when problems can be corrected. The Welch Allyn Spot Screening camera can screen people from 6 months old into adulthood.

For more information on bringing eye screening to your school or day care, programming and membership opportunities, visit the Lewiston Lions online at www.lewistoncommunitylionsclub-ny.org.