By Dean Vaglia
Lerader Staff Writer
The Oxford Lions Club hosted two KidSight eye-screening sessions at the Oxford Public Library last Tuesday and Saturday.
Held from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., Lions Club members used a device to take a picture of a child’s eyes which scans for six conditions: anisometropia (difference in eye strength), astigmatism (blurred vision), hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), corneal reflexes (asymmetric vision) and anisocoria (unequal pupils).
“In a matter of seconds — if we can keep the youngsters’ heads still and I can focus on the two pupils — it gives you a quick reading whether the child has passed or is a refer,” Ron Wood of the Oxford Lions Club said.
According to Wood, the screening tests for existing eye issues and gives back a “pass” or “refer” result.
“Pass” means there are no issues and the child only needs regular professional screenings, while “refer” means there is an issue and the kid should have a professional eye examination. Results are printed on a sticker, stuck to a form and given to their guardian for further action.
The equipment for the eye screening is shared between the Oxford and Lake Orion Lions clubs and was procured around five years ago, though they took about a year and half off of screenings due to pandemic conditions.
Screenings are performed at a distance without physical contact.