Ithaca Lions Club Children's Vision Screening FAQ
What is photoscreening?
Photoscreening is a tool for screening the eyes of pre-verbal or challenged children. During a photoscreening, the screener uses a special camera to take a picture of the child's eyes. Once the instant photo is developed, the photos are sent to a trained optometrist or ophthalmologist who analyzes the photo to look for signs of vision problems.
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Why do children need vision screenings?
Young children with vision problems often do not know that the way they see the world is not the way everyone sees it. Yet vision problems affect one in 20 preschoolers. They also affect one in four school children. Without early detection and treatment, children's vision problems can lead to permanent vision loss and learning difficulties
Only an eye doctor can diagnose and treat a vision problem, but screenings help find children who need a full eye exam. The Ithaca Lions Club children's vision screenings are an accurate way to screen for vision problems in children.
Why should I have my child's vision screened?
Lazy eye can cause lifelong vision loss in the affected eye. If it is found early enough, however, lazy eye (amblyopia) can be treated. In general, the earlier lazy eye is found, the greater the chance of preventing permanent vision loss.
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What is the Ithaca Lions Club's children's vision screening program?
Lions and Lioness Clubs in the Finger Lakes Area have pooled resources to purchase five cameras to conduct screenings at day care centers, preschools, Sunday schools and upon request at organized sites or events. Our screening method is recommended by many of the nation's leading children's eye care professionals and researchers.
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What happens at an Ithaca Lions Club children's vision screening?
The screening is done with a specialized camera to test children through age 6 to see whether the eyes are straight and how well their eyes work together. This test is important because children whose eyes do not work well together are at risk for vision problems including lazy eye (amblyopia). - misaligned eyes (strabismus), cataracts, farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. The camera takes 2 black and white photographs that are sent to trained eye professionals for evaluation.
How will I know if my child needs an eye exam?
Results of the vision screening are used to assess whether a child needs to see an eye doctor. Children who need a full eye exam are referred to an eye doctor of the parent's choice. Families in financial need are directed to local agencies. All results are kept confidential.
How much does the screening cost?
Screenings are done as a community project without charge.
