Lions Club conducts vision screenings in schools
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
BAKER CITY – (Release provided by the Baker City Lions Club) The Baker City Lions Club conducted vision screening in local schools on April 27 and 28 in order to identify students who may need vision care. Using adapted equipment and procedures for social distancing, the volunteers were able to test about 500 students and identify 70 for further assessment.
The club has been part of the vision screenings program for many years but was unable to participate in 2020 due to school closures and the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening of schools and adaptations to equipment and protocols allowed this service to resume this year.
Instead of the old wall charts, the Lions use a machine made by Welch Allyn called the Spot Vision Screener. It tests for such issues as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and unequal pupil size in a matter of seconds. Doctor Logan Mitchell of Baker Vision Clinic praised the equipment, saying that followup exams at the Vision Clinic confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the process.
This year, the Spot was placed on a tripod and volunteers asked questions and gave directions to students while maintaining social distance. Lions project coordinator Chris Knoll said the process “worked very well… perhaps better than the pre-COVID screening method.”
The machines were purchased by Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing foundation several years ago at a cost of around $10,000 each. OLSHF loans the equipment and sends an operator/trainer to clubs around the state. Lions Treasurer Kathy Taylor explained that the club has, in the past, paid a set amount for each location of testing to help cover the expenses of the trainer and the machines. This year the Oregon Department of Education will pay part of the cost, and the Baker City Lions will pay around $500, in addition to providing ten volunteers.
“Totally amazing for our district to not only receive this help, but the incredible screening the Lion’s provide the district,”said Carol (C.J.) Gray, the School District’s Student Services Coordinator and Testing Director. Before the Lions got involved, she and the school nurse would screen the students. “It took us weeks to get through all the schools and students… it was exhausting.” she said. Now the project can be completed in one or two days.
Screenings were held at Baker Middle School, Haines, Keating, South Baker, Brooklyn, and Baker Early Learning Center this year. When the screenings detect a vision problem, the school notifies the parents and recommends seeing an eye care professional for further assessment.
Vision and hearing have been key focus areas for the Lions for almost one hundred years. The Baker City club also provides funding for local residents who need help to get glasses, hearing aids or other services. Gray said she shared this information with a teacher who was concerned about one of their students, and the Lions were able to help. The club also collects used glasses and hearing aids at the Baker Vision Clinic, Baker School District and several local businesses.
For more information, please see the Baker City Lions website or Facebook page, or call 541-519-2350.
