In a generous display of community support, the Rome Lions Club has brought the gift of clear vision to over 3,000 students in the Rome City School District this fall. Making their rounds to every school in the district, dedicated Lions Club members conducted free vision screenings to over 11,000 students since 2016, aiming to catch and address eye issues early on.
Larry Jeroszko, 1st Vice President and Vision Chairman of the Rome Lions Club, highlighted the importance of regular screenings in detecting conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and gaze alignment issues, as well as other eye health concerns. Early intervention, such as providing glasses or other necessary measures, ensures students receive the support they need for optimal vision health and learning (experts say 80% of learning is done visually).
Equipped with Welch Allyn's non-intrusive vision screener, trained volunteers like Jeroszko performed checks without any contact with the child. The device, capable of recording data from a distance of 14 to 36 inches, prioritizes the comfort and well-being of the students.
Importantly, the Lions Club emphasizes that the information gathered during screenings is shared with school nurses, not stored by the Club.
During a recent visit to Rome Free Academy, Nurse and Lion Christina Benn, Lions Club secretary Tim Crandell, and Vision Chairman Jeroszko were present to ensure a seamless process.
The Lions Club's commitment extends beyond the screening rooms, reflecting a dedication to the health and education of the community. With good vision recognized as vital for academic success, the Club's efforts align with New York State requirements for vision screenings at specific grade levels.
Of the 3042 screened this year, 579 were identified and referred for further assistance, with the Lions Club covering the costs of the examination and necessary glasses for those students who are not able to afford it. This act of generosity exemplifies the Lions Club's commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of local students, ensuring that no child is left without the vision care they deserve.
The Rome Lions Club actively engages with the school community and sponsors a club in RFA called the Leo Club, which encourages students to participate in community service projects. Join us today.
Welch Allyn eye screening device.