Vision screens offered free to youth
This little Seneca sweetheart enjoyed helping Lion Pat Dearth with a few vision screens and learning about the machine used to do so.
Pat Dearth (right) and Carol Crusan (left) of the Seneca Lions Club recently provided free vision screening for students in Crawford County schools. Prairie Catholic School 4K students pictured (from left) are Ellie K., Benjamin O., Ava K., Abigail L., Erin N., Jorey T., Blake K. and Collin V. (Submitted photos)
By Correne Martin
The Seneca Lions Club, in conjunction with the Crawford County Public Health Department, recently conducted vision screening at area schools. The free screening was targeted for the elementary students in the Seneca, North Crawford, Wauzeka-Steuben and Prairie du Chien school districts.
Pat Dearth, president, voluntarily provided the fast and accurate test to the many students, with some assistance from Carol Crusan, third vice-president, using the Plusoptix vision screener. The small, portable camera-like machine helps to identify possible vision problems by taking pictures of the eyes so trained Lions Club members can check the pupil for potential abnormalities. The Lions then refer the students and their parents to the eye doctor for more thorough examination.
“I’ve done 600 kids this year,” Dearth said. “at the schools and a few small day cares.”
The Plusoptix screen can be used on anyone 6 months of age or older—anyone who can hold their eyes still for six seconds—but daycare and preschool-aged students are typically focused on the most. This is because, according to Lions International, early detection of vision problems can aid in prevention of impairments. Early identification leads to timely referral, professional treatment, and improved or restored sight.
Any Crawford County day cares interested in having the Seneca Lions bring the vision screener to their classrooms are encouraged to contact Pat at (608) 279-2417.
