Lions Clubs International
Children’s Vision
Screening
DEVELOPMENT OF A LIONS KIDSIGHT USA PROGRAM
What is KidSight?

•
•
•
•
Detects risk factors for amblyopia,
refractive error, etc., before a child starts
primary school. About 14% are referred.
These visions problems after age 7 are
much, much harder to treat.
Screening results are instantaneous
Cameras can be used by volunteers;
cost about $6,000 to $7,500
A Lions Program that uses a handheld camera vision screening device
(several options) for pre-literate
children age 6 mos. to 6 years
Background

Programs in several states started in the late 1990s with the MTI Photoscreening
camera.

Major programs started in TN, IA, IN, and CO – with three of them coordinated
with help of eye departments at major universities – Vanderbilt, U of Colorado,
and U of Iowa (major Lions eye centers at Vanderbilt U and U of Colorado).

University partners added credibility and did much of the photo interpretation
for the Polaroid images from the MTI camera.
Background

Program was given LCIF Core 4 Program “Priority Status” in the late 1990s, which
resulted in $2 million+ in grant funding to start statewide programs.

Grants went to NJ, NY, WY, CO, MI, VA, LA, and several others as a result.

Programs now screen upwards of 500,000 kids under 7 each year. University partners
not needed today to interpret results of photos; referral criteria built into the device’s
software.

LCIF provides matching grants for cameras – expansion of programs or to replace
older cameras.
Lions KidSight USA Created

A National Survey of USA Lions conducted in the spring 2014 to identify need and
direction for a national program.

90%+ of respondents favored children’s vision screening.

National planning committee established by Lions top leadership in the USA, headed by
PID Dr. Ed Cordes (Optometrist from NY) and supported by Dr. Hauser Weiler
(Ophthalmologist from VA).

A national coalition founders committee meeting was held Aug 16, 2014 representing
NY, NJ, VA, IA, IN, CO, CT, TN, KS, and GA to determine next steps.

The official roll out of the program took place at the USA/Canada Lions Leadership
Forum in Puerto Rico in September, 2014.
Lions KidSight USA Created

LCIF provided a seed grant for founders meeting and to support program launch.

National website is being created.

The committee created suggested models suitable for all program sizes to promote best
practice standards.

Name Lions KidSight USA was approved. Logo developed.

Goal of national program is to build the capacity to screen all kids under age 7 by 2018.
Funding Of Program

2 equipment companies became partners at $50,000 each over 3-5 years.

Opportunity potentially to raise funds nationwide from non-Lions in the USA, but would be
restricted to the program.

LCIF will need to invest some modest funds in the next two years, but this may not be
significant if corporate funding happens as expected.
Goals of Children’s Vision Screening

Primary Goal – Detection of Amblyopia and its Risk Factors

Secondary Goal – Need for Eyeglasses

Detect Abnormal Vision

Risk factors to visual development

Timely treatment with greatest benefit
Effects of Poor Vision In The Young
 Poor
literacy
 Behavioral
 No
Disorders
participation in sports
 Poor
socialization
 Other
social/behavioral issues
HISTORY of Screening Methods
Tumbling “E” and Snellen Charts
 Titmus Binocular Screener
 MTI PhotoScreener
 Auto Refractors
 Modern Binocular Automated Screeners
iScreen
PlusOptix
Welch Allyn SPOT

AMBLYOPIA

Decreased vision in one eye relative to the other

Caused by
Congenital Cataract
Crossed eyes – strabismus
Unequal refractive error – one strong & one weak

Detect early, treat before age 6

Little benefit of treatment after age 8
When Should We Screen
Where Should We Screen

Lions should screen children beginning at 6 months

Biggest benefit: 6 months to 6 years of age

Day care centers/nursery schools

School screenings

Do NOT screen adults – does not detect adult eye
disease like Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, etc.
What Should We Use

Strive for the best devices available

Lions KidSight USA Suggests The Following Characteristics

Ease of use

Durable

Binocular testing

Results on site provided by the unit

Non threatening to the child

Usable from 6 months of age on

Proven high level of reliable results
Screeners From Our Partners
Plusoptix S-12
Welch Allyn Spot
Administrative Details

FORMS:
Parental Consent to Screen
Pass/Refer notice
Screening Report
“Opt Out” check box for permission to follow up

STRUCTURE
District Childhood Screening Chairperson
Data Tracking and Reporting
Referrals -- Have a Plan!

MOTTO: Don’t start something you can’t finish

Develop a referral system for your Club or District

Partner with the eye care providers for examinations

Partner with the surgical centers

Partner with eyeglass providers

Explore the state prison system for fabrication labs

Consider recycled eyeglasses if legal but consider liability issues
SUMMARY

Screen Children to find conditions we can help correct

Be certain that you have a path parents can follow for
assistance if needed

Attract new members through this amazing service project
– young members who have limited time

Build a legacy
Easy
To Get Started
3 MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM
Beginner – Getting Started

Club (or zone on a sharing basis) has a screening device

Club(s) has a HIPAA compliant system to screen children at places such as pre-k institutions,
head-start programs, community health clinics and community organizations, health fairs,
etc.

A HIPAA-compliant permission form parents need to sign with “Opt Out” follow up check box

A HIPAA-compliant document detailing screening results that the kids or organizations hosting
the screening can share with parents or guardians

The ability to provide/fund follow-up exams and care for the medically indigent, or at least a
list of resources/agencies that can help

Maintain a list of screening information including the number of children screened and
percentage referred for an exam.
Intermediate – Take It To The Next Level

All the above

Coordinate program at the district level or by a district foundation

Network of eye care professionals supporting the program

A coordinator, either a Lion volunteer or a paid staff person, to
schedule/coordinate screenings and support clubs with the program
(parental permissions, referral and follow-up care coordination, etc.)

Pursue regional partnerships

Maintain a central database of the number of children screened, referral
rates, and if possible outcome data of eye exams
Advanced – Go For The Gold Standard

All the above

Coordinate program at the multiple district level and may have a
university or hospital partner with paid staff to coordinate program

Pursue state-level partnerships with professional eye care bodies,
education associations, and seek state government funding or
program collaborations
All USA Lions Clubs
Screening All Kids
6 Months to 6 years
Website:
http://www.KidSightUSA.org
LIONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION