Lions Club tests eyes of Gravette children

Photo by Dodie Evans Ed Janner at the eye testing equipment
Photo by Dodie Evans Ed Janner at the eye testing equipment

GRAVETTE -- Members of the Bella Vista/Bentonville and Gravette Lions Clubs made last Monday a special "eye" day for several children.

Twenty-five children enrolled at the "Imagine Before and After School Care Center" in Gravette received free eye screening. The project by the clubs, and initiated by club member C.J. Foxx, was held at the care center.

Sitting in a partially darkened room, each child was instructed to look toward testing equipment located several feet away. Lion Ed Jenner completed the screening process in less than a minute. Children who wore glasses were tested both with and without their glasses for comparative purposes.

The state-of-the-art device, which costs thousands of dollars, somewhat resembles a camera. It does not provide a specific diagnosis but can provide information that a sight problem may exist, which suggests further testing is advisable. It was noted tests can be given to children as young as six months old.

Lion members Mike and Mary Patrick assisted by recording the results of the tests.

Parents of the children gave written permission for the tests, and when completed, they received computer-generated reports which noted the test results. They also were provided information suggesting they contact the eye specialist of their choice for further testing. Parents of several of the children received such reports.

Providing for eye tests and glasses and sometimes for treatment, especially for children, has long been a major project for Lions Clubs.

Chris and Tena Crose operate the care center and said they were happy to provide the space where the testing could be completed.

Editorial on 01/29/2014