Welch Allyn Partners with U.S. Lions Clubs to ‘Spotlight’ Importance of Early Vision Screening

Welch Allyn, Inc., a leading medical diagnostic device company that delivers pragmatic innovation at the point of care, today announced its support and sponsorship of KidSight USA—a new Lions Clubs initiative designed to help ensure children between six months and six years of age receive proper vision screening and professional follow-up care.  Conducted at schools, community centers and public health fairs using portable screening devices like the Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener, the screenings can help identify refractive errors which may be associated with several ophthalmological conditions. The national program is expected to be fully operational in early 2015.

According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of children are not receiving the basic preventive care needed to ensure their long-term health and well-being.  The data provide a baseline assessment for 11 key services, including screenings for developmental delays and hearing/vision loss—two conditions that can often be mitigated by early detection and treatment.  The CDC study suggests that screenings during early and middle childhood can identify the emergence of major chronic disease/lifestyle risk factors, yet during 2009 to 2010, 22% of 5-year-olds had never had a vision check.

“Regular vision screening can help identify children who are in need of further evaluation, diagnosis and treatment,” says Rick Farchione, senior global category manager at Welch Allyn.  “Early identification and treatment may help prevent or at least alleviate many of the problems that result from impaired vision. Screening is the most practical approach to identifying kids in need of professional services before more serious problems occur.  We’re proud to partner with the Lions Clubs in their efforts to help children reach their full potential.”

Lions in the U.S. currently screen more than 500,000 children each year through state and local programs known as KidSight.  Lions KidSight USA brings together established Lions vision screening programs and supports the development of new programs in order to create a coordinated national effort that can help more children.  This effort is supported by the Lions Clubs International Foundation which offers matching grants to Lions involved in vision screening.  The foundation has awarded $2.2 million in grants since 2000 to support children’s vision screening programs in the U.S.

“Vision affects a child’s ability to see the world, but it also impacts a child’s ability to learn,” said Dr. Ed Cordes, an optometrist and chairperson of Lions KidSight USA.  “Experts say that up to 80 percent of learning is visual, so we need to screen all children to identify any vision issues that can get in the way of learning.  And we need to screen children early to identify vision problems while they can still be corrected.”