Lions Club sets sights on helping kids see better

The goal of the club’s Project KidSight is to screen youngsters ages 2-5 for eye and vision problems, with the hope of early detection leading to successful correction.

The Grand Haven Lions joined close to 50 other district clubs to purchase a $12,000 screening camera six months ago.

The Little Lakers child care center at 711 E. Savidge St. was the local club’s first stop.

The equipment can detect near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, unequal refractive power, blurred vision and pupil size deviation.

Out of the 60 preschoolers screened Wednesday, about 10 percent were flagged for follow-up recommendations, according to Lions Club volunteer Diane Hansen, who teaches the blind and visually impaired.

Hansen said early detection is key.

“They have a better chance the sooner problems are caught and corrected,” she said. “This gives us a way to correct problems before the kids get into school.”

Any preschool, day care or other interested child organization may contact Hiemstra at 616-935-7264 or e-mail barbhiemstra@yahoo.com to schedule a screening.

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