Funds for screening
The Warragul Lions Club has purchased a vision screening machine as part of a new program helping to identify sight problems in primary school children.
The Warragul Country Club has supported the Lions Club initiative by contributing $5000 towards the machine.
The Country Club’s funding was provided through its community grants program.
The new machine has been purchased jointly between Warragul and Neerim South Lions Clubs.
It helps to detect the presence of vision difficulties at an early stage. Lions members are being fully trained to carry out screening tests in local schools.
WCC chief executive officer Michael Hodge commended the club on its eye health program and the great work being done in local schools to pre-screen students for potential vision and eye problems.
Total cost of the vision screen machine was $9680.
Warragul and Neerim South Lions Clubs trialled the eye health program with students at Darnum Primary School.
Conducted in local primary schools, the program will screen students for common vision problems including near and far sightedness, blurred vision, unequal refractive power, eye misalignment and unequal pupil size.
The screening is not a diagnosis but an indication that one of these conditions may be present and a recommendation is then forwarded to the students’ parents or carers for a professional examination to be undertaken.
Warragul Lions Club president Peter Hammond said the club was enthusiastic about the program and it would further its involvement in sight and hearing programs.
He said it was important that vision problems were identified as soon as possible and the correct treatment be determined.