Lions Club launches KidSight program with Head Start

• The new machines%2C valued at %248%2C000 each%2C take infrared pictures of the eyes at a short distance%2C instantly testing for myopia%2C astigmatism and other sight deficiencies.

HEBRON – The Hebron Lions, who have touched more lives than many may see through volunteer eye screenings at local schools, are one of many local clubs who can now expand their vision through a recent statewide partnership with Head Start.

Head Start, a national early childhood readiness program for low-income families, has partnered with the Kentucky Lions to acquire 25 state-of-the-art cameras that will allow vision screening of children as young as 6 months, which opens the free service to preschools and day cares.

The new machines, valued at $8,000 each, take infrared pictures of the eyes at a short distance, instantly testing for myopia, astigmatism and other sight deficiencies. Preschool-age children can now be screened for amblyopia, or "'lazy eye," which is difficult to correct after age 6.

"If they find that when you're young, they can patch an eye or use corrective lenses to strengthen the eye," said Hebron Lions president Harvey Richardson. "Once they get past about 6 or so … then it's too late for that … that's why we emphasize early."

The program, called KidSight, will provide one of those 25 cameras to be shared among Boone, Kenton, Campbell and Pendleton counties. Head Start will screen its 10 eligible schools in the district, then rotate the camera to local Lions clubs.

Statewide, the cameras can increase the number of children seen from about 12,000 per year to 30,000.

Richardson has been voluntarily testing children's vision for 30 years of his 41 as a Lion. The Lion's primary mission of ending preventable blindness is something he holds close to his heart. He emotionally recalled one instance in which an elementary-age girl was tested at school, referred to a doctor, and told that if she hadn't been seen within 90 days, she would have gone totally blind.

"We very often find children with eye problems that parents and teachers had no idea (about)," said Richardson.

Richardson will step down as president on July 1 and become a state trustee, where he will have the opportunity to facilitate Lions clubs across Kentucky. But the local clubs, he says, remain the heart of the organization and of his loyalty.

"The heart of Lionism is in the club," said Richardson. "It's a wonderful service … just my way of giving back."

How you can help

Lions Clubs across Northern Kentucky are now seeking volunteers to screen vision at local elementary schools, middle schools, day cares and preschools in the fall. No medical experience is required and training takes no more than 15 minutes.

For more information about volunteering and membership, or to schedule a screening at your school or program, contact Richardson at 859-912-1473 or by email at rvnnc@zoomtown.com.