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How TLC and Tennessee KidSight can change a child’s life
Good vision is vital for a child’s development, daily life, safety, and well-being. Over 80% of the brain’s input is visual. For this reason, Tennessee Lions Charities and our Lions Club volunteers have dedicated years to our Tennessee KidSight vision screening program. Tennessee KidSight vision screenings provide early detection of Amblyopia in pre-k students, which can result in irreversible vision loss if left untreated. In older participants, our screening goals broaden to include the detection of risk for uncorrected refractive error.
Beyond Amblyopia and refractive errors, Tennessee KidSight screenings have led to the detection of cataracts, ptosis, and even tumors inside the eye. Unfortunately, research indicates that barriers exist that prevent children from accessing treatment after a vision screening referral. Nationwide, the percentage of children who receive treatment after a vision screening referral varies widely, between 5% to 50%. Common barriers include cultural beliefs, financial and travel challenges, and limited awareness of vision health and its impact on education and life.
Our staff dedicates thousands of hours each year to following up with the parents of children who have been referred for treatment. We strive to educate parents about the effectiveness of our Tennessee KidSight vision screening program and the potential issues their child faces. Our partnership with Tennessee's Lions is also a phenomenal resource for families who cannot afford or travel to receive treatment. Together, we can eliminate barriers to treatment, ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed without the burden of an unknown and untreated vision problem.
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