Edwardsburg Lions help with Project KidSight

Published 4:51 pm Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Edwardsburg Lions Club members Denise Halgren and Edwardsburg Leo Becky Haines (pictured), along with President Tanda and David Stiffler, helped screen pre-school children at the Cass County Fair. The Lions of Michigan sponsored Project KidSight made a stop at the fair last week. (Leader photo/provided)

Edwardsburg Lions Club members Denise Halgren and Edwardsburg Leo Becky Haines (pictured), along with President Tanda and David Stiffler, helped screen pre-school children at the Cass County Fair. The Lions of Michigan sponsored Project KidSight made a stop at the fair last week. (Leader photo/provided)

More than 350 children have been screened this past month by the Lions of Michigan and their Project KidSight.

The Lions Club has visited 15 locations, including last week’s Cass County Fair, performing 371 eye screenings around the state of Michigan in July for pre-school children, ages 1 to 5.

The Edwardsburg Lions Club aided with the screenings at the fair’s Kiddies Day.

Of the 371 children who have been screened, 305 of them passed, while 66 were referred with a packet to the parents explaining the step-by-step process to help insure their children proper eye care according to Project KidSight Director Patrick McFarland.

“When Lion Pat knows of a large number of children going to be screened at a location, he has requested for help with a second camera to help make the process quick and easy for the small child and the parents,” Edwardsburg Lions President Tanda Stiffler said. “Many parents are pleased with the results of how quickly the camera can detect if their child’s eyes are good at that time or need a referral to go see an optometrist.

“Some parent’s concerns are how they will afford an eye appointment and glasses. This is when the screeners offer them the information to contact their local community Lions Club for assistance if they cannot afford or their insurance will not cover it.”