Sight Screening During The Pandemic

It might seem impossible to conduct vision screening while social distancing. Let’s provide a few tips on ways to out-fox a foxy virus.

For 95 years, Lions have been the “Knights for the blind in a crusade against darkness.” That was the challenge Helen Keller gave to Lions in 1925. At the time, Lions Club International was just eight years old. That challenge remains today. The best way to prevent blindness is vision screenings. For years Lions used standard eye charts to measure acuity. While still effective, there is new technology.


PlusOptix – Three years ago about a dozen Lions Clubs in District 30-M purchased a PlusOptix vision screener. This technology changed sight screenings. Let me oversimply the procedure. The PlusOptix machine is about the same physical size as an iPad or tablet. It is a bit bulkier, however. Point the PlusOptix at the eye pupil. It’s as simple as taking a picture with an iPad or tablet. Because that is exactly what happens. The PlusOptix creates a digital image in a fraction of a second. The machine has pre-determined standards for good vision. The subject receives a “Pass” or “Refer” result. Then print the vision screening results on a special printer connected by infrared to the PlusOptix.

Limitations – PlusOptix has some limitations. So does a standard eye chart. What happens during a standard eye screening using an eye chart? The examiner says, “Read the bottom line.” That requires the person being able to read and speak. The PlusOptix eliminates that. No reading necessary.

The PlusOptix determines vision deficiencies through the eye pupil. Children under 18 have naturally larger pupils than older adults. While the PlusOptix can screen adults, its best use is on children. To screen someone, the PlusOptix machine must be within 3-4 feet.

Corona Virus – On the surface, the PlusOptix appears useless during the pandemic. Social distance mandates a 6-foot minimum. The PlusOptix screening requires a maximum distance of 4-feet. Here is a hidden secret. The PlusOptix has the ability to accurately access vision through a piece of plain glass. Put a portable sneeze screen between the machine operator and the child. Another option is to purchase a head-mounted sneeze screen for the machine operator.

There are many ways Lions can perform a safe vision screening and minimize the health risk. Remember, the machine never touches the child. Using a sneeze screen, there is no need to sanitize the machine in between screenings. Using a personal sneeze screen is an even more affordable option.

Power – The PlusOptix has the ability to identify amblyopia. The common name is lazy eye. Amblyopia is a treatable condition when detected early.

Action – If your Lions Club has a PlusOptix, purchase a sneeze screen and begin screening. If your club does not have a PlusOptix, contact a club that has one. Contact me for a list of those clubs. Vision screening goes to the heart of Lionism. It’s a service project for any Lions Club.

HOUSEKEEPING NOTE – There will be no blog on Labor Day. Next blog is Wednesday, September 9th.

We Serve because Kindness Matters 

Lion Andy Kalinowski (Andy K) 
District Governor
662.549.3421 
http://www.mississippilions.org/ 

https://www.facebook.com/Lions30M


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Environmental Service Project Ideas

Image
Growing Lions Clubs want to do service. Many are also looking for an economical solution to serve. Many want younger members. Clubs that combine an active environmental service project with recruiting find tremendous success. Let’s look at a few suggestions to not only improve the environment but also grow new Lions in the process. Plant trees with the advice of a local environment organization on the best locations and varieties. Clean up a beach, community space or roadside area monthly as a club. Hold an environment-themed photo contest at a school. Plant a tree or another green form of recognition to honor the winner. Challenge all Lions in your club or district to add one green habit to their daily lives. Recognize a local organization or community leader for environmental conservation work. Volunteer with your local park service to maintain trails. Help more people access and enjoy nature! Commit to “Meatless Mondays” or not eating meat one day each week. Collect used cellphone...
Read more

District Cabinet Meeting

Image
Saturday is the second district cabinet meeting of the Lions year. Let’s discuss some facts about a cabinet meeting. Who Is the District Cabinet – Each club president and club secretary are automatically part of the District’s cabinet. Each zone chair is also a cabinet member. District committee and multiple district committee members are part of the cabinet. All that said, any Lion is more than welcome to attend. What Is the Purpose – The cabinet advises the District Governor on matters of importance. Each zone chair explains important matters within the four or five clubs in that zone. The cabinet gets a report on Lions Sight Foundation (LSF), including fund raising and expenses. LSF committees explain projects within their committee’s control. Why Have a Cabinet Meeting – It’s important to share information obtained during the cabinet meeting. Local clubs need to know the size of the Lions footprint worldwide, in Mississippi and within the district. Knowing the work of Lion...
Read more

Why Does A Lion Drop Membership?

Image
One of the challenges facing each Lions is a membership loss. For the North American Membership Initiative ( NAMI ) to succeed, Lions must reduce the number of membership drops. Let’s discuss some of the reasons for a membership drop. Some are within the control of the club. There are some membership drops outside the control of a club. Death is one of those. Many times, a Lion moves after retirement to be closer to family. In this case, a drop may just be a change of clubs. Mississippi is one of the states experiencing a “brain drain”. That means those active in the work force decide to leave and relocate to a place paying a higher salary than here. It’s a well-known situation that perplexes both state lawmakers and lobbyists. Again, Lions who relocate simply transfer to another club. There are several reasons of resignation within the control of the club. One of those is competing interests. Perhaps the meeting time conflicts with ever changing family responsibilities. The solu...
Read more