Lions Catch Amblyopia Early for
Four-Year-Old Girl
The story of Rachel Springer is a testament to the benefits provided to so many children by dedicated Lions and MLERF staff members. In late 2006, Lisa Springer was told by her children's pediatrician that her daughter Rachel had her vision tested at 20/30, and that her vision was fine for a four-year-old. Just a few months later, Lisa would find out otherwise.
In November 2006, Rachel was screened at the Grace United Church Preschool in St. Peters, Mo., by Lion Becky Henderson. When Rachel's results were examined by a volunteer ophthamologist, it was determined that Rachel suffered from amblyopia, farsightedness and anisometropia, a condition in which the two eyes are in different states of near- or farsightnedness.
"Part of me wasn't surprised because I have a strong family history of poor eyesight, including amblyopia," Lisa said. "But part of me was surprised because I had told my children's pediatrician my concerns about them inheriting eye problems, and she said she was watching them and they seemed fine, and I didn't need to take them to an ophthalmologist."
Looking back, Lisa said she did not notice any signs that Rachel was having any vision problems. In fact, Rachel had also had a Lions amblyopia screening the year before, and did not show abnormalities. "Obviously the problems were just beginning to develop this year and it was caught very early," Lisa said.
Today, Rachel is wearing prescription eyeglasses. "My husband says she is making contact with the ball playing wiffle ball much better than last year," Lisa said. "Maybe because she has glasses now!"
Rachel's doctor believes Rachel's condition was caught early enough that she will not need eye patching treatment in the future. For more information on the Foundation’s Amblyopia Prevention Program and how you can become a trained volunteer, please visit our Web site, http://www.mlerf.org/programs-ambly.php.
Smiles for Screening Program Benefits Local Lions Clubs and MLERF
The new Smiles for Screening fundraising campaign is already starting off 2007 with success. Three schools in the Columbia area have already signed contracts for Van Gogh Photography to be their picture provider. This translates to $3,800 Van Gogh Photography will donate for each year they take pictures for these schools.
The Smiles for Screening program was designed to benefit both MLERF and local Lions clubs. Every time a partnership is established with help from Lions or MLERF staff, Van Gogh photography will donate $2 back to MLERF for every child they photograph. In turn, MLERF will donate $1 from every child back to the Lions club that initiated the Van Gogh contract.
If you have questions about the program or would like an informational packet, please contact Dulsey Stewart at 573-443-1471 ext. 221 or dstewart@mlerf.org.
Upcoming Events
Junne 14-16, 2007: Amblyopia screenings will be held at the St. Louis Science Center for two days in June. For more information, contact Tina Twenter at 573-443-1471 ext. 241.
Looking for more detailed information on our upcoming amblyopia and glaucoma screenings? Visit our screening calendar online.
The Virtual Ambassador is a publication of the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation.
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