Lion Gerry Strazik checks the vision of Michael DiGiacomo. The Lions Club screened 30 children at their first eye screening which was held in conjunction with the Annual Easter Egg Hunt last month.

As an additional community service the Apalachin Lions Club held a free vision screening for pre-school children at this year's Easter Egg Hunt on April 12.  This screening is used to determine whether they are at risk for many ocular conditions. The West Seneca Lions Club loaned a special PhotoScreener camera to Apalachin.

 This camera can detect nearsightedness (Myopia), farsightedness (Hyperopia), astigmatism, turning eyes and several other conditions. When used properly, the pictures taken with the camera can be interpreted by an eye doctor to determine if a child is at risk for one of the above conditions. If there is a significant difference between the eyes, a child will be at significant risk for developing Amblyopia (Lazy Eye). Children who are at risk for Amblyopia must have their condition diagnosed and treated before age 6 if they are to have a good chance of successful treatment by their eye doctor. Very often children suffering from these conditions are not diagnosed until they enter First Grade and receive a standard vision screening at school. Since most children are already age 6 in first grade, this means that their chances for successful treatment are limited.

 The cost of a PhotoScreener camera is $4,000.  Lions District 20E2 is in the process of obtaining funding for four PhotoScreening cameras which will be available to all clubs within our district. 

 Thirty children were screened during this year's event. Families of children who fail the screening are notified that they should make an appointment with an eye doctor for their child. If the families are in need of financial assistance the Apalachin Lions will be there to help them in obtaining the services necessary. Eye doctors have told Lion members that the referrals were about 90% accurate and that the sight of many children has been enhanced due to the screenings.  The Lions are planning on offering additional screenings throughout the year. These events will be pre-advertised.