Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
By the time a child is 6years old, their eyes are 98 percent developed.
Early detection of vision problems like improperly aligned eyes, cataracts, nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can lead to early prevention.
This week Lions Club of Pierceton members are offering screening at the Head Start in Warsaw. Using a specially-designed "instant" camera, Ken and Lana Wilson and Don and Beverly Reid photograph each small child's eyes.
"We've taken 60 pictures and only three have been returned," said Beverly Reid, the Pierceton team's participation in the Indiana Lions Operation KidSight program.
Wednesday, Ken Wilson sat with the camera on his knees. while Lana Wilson and Beverly Reid ushered children into a darkened room. The children sat in a straight-backed chair about four feet away from the photographer. The 3- and 4-year-olds were urged to "look at the blinky light" on the camera and to keep their eyes wide open.
As soon as the little ones focused, the camera flashed. Then a second picture was taken when they looked directly into the camera again.
"The service is free to the parents," said Lana Wilson. "We take up to three photographs, each one costs the club $5. The only thing the parents are out is their time."
Each image is $12. The Lion's Club International Foundation offers grants to offset costs. A release form was signed by each parent.
""I think its wonderful," said Robin Bishop, mother of 4-year-old Trevor Albertson. "It's very beneficial to families that can't afford eye care. It's a very generous program."
The Lions received eight hours of training on the apparatus. The screeners learn to take pictures quickly and correctly.
The pictures, labeled with codes for each child, are sent to a team of doctors at Vanderbilt University for diagnosis. The findings are sent to the Lions Club State Program coordinator Janice Chapman who sends the results to each parent.
According to the KidSight newsletter, 219 children were screened in Kosciusko County from October 2003 to July 2004. The parents of 13 children were advised to take their pre-schoolers to an eye doctor. In Indiana, 2,604 children were served by Operation KidSight; 112 were referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
