Lions get an early look at new vision screening device

Lions Brian Kline and M.J. Knobe

M. J. Knobe, Executive Director of the South Dakota Lions Foundation, points to a PowerPoint photo that shows a piece of equipment that promises to help Lions transform the way children are screened for vision problems in South Dakota.

Knobe told a gathering of Belle Fourche Lions Club members on Tuesday (5/15/12) that the foundation hopes to be able to purchase eight of the Pedia Vision units and make them available across the state for widespread screening of children.  Representatives from a few other community organizations also attended the meeting at the Belle Fourche Country Club.  The planned statewide initiative would seek to screen South Dakota children before they reach six years of age.  

"Most schools don't require vision screening," said Knobe, "and the earlier we can identify vision problems in youngsters, the better the chances of accurately diagnosing and treating problems."  

South Dakota Lions are awaiting word from the Lions International Foundation regarding a grant request for more than $59,000 to buy the eight units and help train Lions across the state to use this new technology.  

A decision is expected in June, according to Knobe, and South Dakota Lions have already begun collecting necessary funds that would match a grant from the international Lions organization.

Vision screening is topic for special May 15th meeting

South Dakota Lions are launching a statewide initiative that will provide vision screening for more than 13,000 preschool children -- a formidable task, but one that clearly is at the core of the Lions mission.

Lions executive M.J. Knobe

Details of the project will be unveiled at the Belle Fourche Country Club on Tuesday, May 15, as members of both the Northern Lights Lions Club and the Belle Fourche Lions Club gather for a joint meeting at noon.  Members can order from the Mulligan menu and enjoy lunch as they hear more about the statewide vision initiative from M.J. Knobe, Executive Director for the South Dakota Lions Foundation.

Knobe will be visiting Lions clubs across the Black Hills all week, sharing information and answering questions.  The South Dakota Lions Foundation has a history of more than 45 years of screening and other sight-related projects.

Given the importance of this project -- and the challenges that lie ahead -- the public is invited to attend this informational meeting.

New technology devices can quickly and easily detect vision issues across all age groups, detecting problems ranging from near-sightedness and far-sightedness to  astigmatisms and eye misalignment (strabismus).  

Early information indicated that eight devices will be purchased and placed around the state so that every club will have access to screening equipment.  And screenings will be provided by trained personnel.

But to get the latest information and have an opportunity ask questions about this important project, join us for this luncheon meeting at noon on Tuesday, May 15th, and the Belle Fourche Country Club.

Northern Plains Eye Foundation project outlined

In late January, the Belle Fourche Lions Club voted to support the "Lions of South Dakota Preschool Vision Screening Initiative."  It's a project designed to focus on preschool vision screening of approximately 12,000 to 13,000 registered preschoolers across the state.  To implement the initiative, Lions of South Dakota are planning to purchase eight devices to be strategically placed in the state so that "every club will have access to screening equipment." Screenings will be provided by trained personnel.  The program was scheduled to be in place by this summer.

Ronda Gusinsky

Another similar but separate initiative has been organized by the Rapid City-based Northern Plains Eye Foundation.  Its Executive Director, Ronda Gusinsky, came to Belle Fourche this week (3/8/12) to share information about their foundation and to seek financial support for their initiative.  She was accompanied by Dick Tupper from the Rushmore Lions Club in Rapid City.  We understand that Rushmore Lions Club, Downtown Rapid City Lions Club, and clubs in Piedmont and Hill City are supporting the NPEF project.

Gusinsky told about their CVSI Children’s Vision Screening Initiative and how it is about a year old.  Statistics:  one in 20 preschoolers and one in four school age children are affected with vision problems.  11.5% require glasses.  The identification takes into consideration that there is still the need to contact a Health Care Provider.  She spoke of new technology available and a machine called PediaVision Assessment Solution System.  She noted that they are looking for financial support. (Thanks to BF Lions Secretary Del Neumeister for his timely minutes!)

While it may be a bit confusing that similar initiatives are being launched in western South Dakota by two disparate regional organizations (NPEF and the SD Lions Foundation), it's good to know that there is not only a recognition of a need for early detection of vision disorders in children -- but plans of action for early intervention and treatment.

We'll keep you posted as we learn more about these initiatives.


Lion Joyce Drabek (at right) from the Northern Lights Lions Club (or was that a frisky Leprechaun?) visited the club to remind members that there will be a big Dodgeball Tournament this Saturday (March 10th) and there is still need for a few volunteers.


Members were also reminded that the annual Lions Pancake Breakfast is just around the corner (Sunday, March 25th), and there's still need for volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks.  Lions who can participate in this important event are asked to get in touch with the project chairman, Lion Ron Ensz.  The next Lions meeting will be on Thursday, March 22nd.  Thanks to Lion Bill Kunerth for capturing the above photos!

SDLF launches new Preschool Vision Screening program

There are more than 59,000 children under age 5 in SouthDakota, and South Dakota Lions are launching a statewide program to provide vision screening for more than 13,000 preschoolers.
The program will use new technology devices to quickly and easily detect vision issues ranging from near and far-sightedness to astigmatisms and eye misalignment.

The goal is to detect vision disorders in children before they reach six years of age, helping to bolster their capacity to learn, adapt, and develop throughout childhood.

Lions plans to purchase eight devices to be strategically placed across the state so that every club will have access to screening equipment.  Details, of course, need to be worked out, but the screenings will be provided by trained personnel.

The South Dakota Lions Foundations is asking every Lion in the state -- and their clubs -- to commit their support for the Lions of South Dakota Preschool Vision Screening Program initiative.

The Preschool Vision Screening program  will launch this coming spring and summer.  We'll keep you posted as the initiative unfolds!