Members of Iowa Lions Clubs, in partnership with the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, work toward enhancing early detection and treatment of vision problems in Iowa's young children (target population 6 through 48 months of age) through screening and public education through the Iowa KidSight vision-screening program. Iowa Lions began offering vision screenings in their local communities in May 2000.

The Strawberry Point Lions Club in northeast Iowa screened the 100,000th child— preschooler Spencer Puffett—in the Iowa KidSight program in October 2007. A celebration to commemorate this milestone was held December 18 at Starmont Elementary School in Strawberry Point. Puffett received a $100 savings bond at the celebration.  

An estimated 3 to 5 percent of pre-school-aged children have a vision problem. Half of all children with amblyopia are diagnosed after age five, when therapy may no longer be effective. If vision problems are not detected and treated while the child’s visual system develops, amblyopia ("lazy eye") can result. Several vision problems can lead to amblyopia, including far-sightedness, near-sightedness, differences in refractive powers, astigmatism, cataracts, or muscle imbalances. Amblyopia can result in permanent vision loss.

Of the 100,000 screenings conducted through Iowa KidSight, 4,009 have resulted in the need for referral to a local eye care professional. 

For more information:

Iowa Lions Clubs

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Iowa KidSight