Amblyopia Screening Catches Vision Problem for Four-Year-Old Girl
In the back of her mind, Marsha Simpkins had been worrying and wondering about her daughter Lauren’s vision for quite some time. Now four years old, Lauren received her first Amblopia screening from the Lions when she was only 18 months.
Not long after that screening, Marsha received a postcard from
the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation alerting her that Lauren was at risk for amblyopia, and was encouraged to see an eye care professional.
Marsha then followed the initial amblyopia screening with a full eye exam as instructed by the Lions club screener. At the eye exam however, Marsha was told that her daughter's vision was okay and she did not have amblyopia or other vision problems at that time. Marsha was also told to continue to observe her daughter for any changes in vision, and bring Lauren back if she had further concerns.
Though she was told her daughter’s vision was normal, Marsha still suspected Lauren had some sort of vision problem. When Lauren joined a soccer team this past fall, Marcia said she had noticeable trouble with eye-foot coordination, and had difficulty dribbling the ball.
When Marsha learned that Lauren’s daycare provider, Delmar Gardens North Early Childhood Center, was holding an Amblyopia screening with local Lions in November 2007, she had Lauren screened again. A few weeks later, the familiar postcard came to Marsha’s home. It stated that Lauren was at risk for amblyopia and recommended a complete eye exam.
Marsha went to the office of Dr. Oscar Cruz, an ophthalmologist at SSM Cardinal Glennon Childrens Medical Center, for this subsequent screening. During the examination, it became quite clear that Lauren was having vision problems. When looking at the eye chart, Lauren could only read halfway over a row. Ultimately, it was determined that Lauren had anisometrpoia amblyopia, a condition of favoring one eye while the “bad eye” continually weakens.
Lauren was prescribed glasses, which she began wearing in January. She is scheduled for her vision to be re-screened in three months, and may also be prescribed eye patches and eye drops in the future to help correct her vision.
Bolivar Lions Active with Smiles for Screening
Lion Libby Ray and the Bolivar Lions Club have been busy with Smiles for Screening. Libby has taken the fundraiser into her own hands by looking up local schools in the Missouri School Directory online at http://dese.mo.gov/directory/ and locating the schools districts in her area.
Lion Libby has been to about 15 schools telling them about this great new fundraiser and then setting up times for the superintendents to meet with Van Gogh Photographers. The meetings lasted two days- the first day Lion Libby went with Joel and Adam Zucco from Van Gogh and the second day club president Lion Jack Scott went with them. The day before the meeting, Lion Libby took more information (photo samples, etc) to the superintendent for them to look ever.
Having worked as a teacher in the Bolivar school district, Lion Libby and the Bolivar Lions had some connections within local school districts. Some club members even knew superintendents and principals. Lion Libby first concentrated on larger districts, because there was a larger potential for MLERF and the Lions club in fundraising.
Lion Libby was interested in learning more about fundraising opportunities with MLERF and PDG Howard Hawkins told her about this program. Smiles for Screening is a fundraiser between MLERF and Van Gogh Photographers that encourages Lions clubs to make connections with elementary and middle schools in their area. For every student that buys a photography package from Van Gogh, they will donate $2- $1 to the Lions club that made the contact and $1 to MLERF.
If you would like more information on Smiles for Screening you can call 1-800-283-1982 ext. 115 or email kmeier@mlerf.org. Learn more online at www.mlerf.org/smiles.php.
Upcoming Events
February 14, 2008 : In addition to being Valentine's Day, February 14 is also National Donor Day. This national observance day celebrates the gifts organ, eye and tissue donors give when they choose to donate. To sign up for the Missouri Donor Registry, please visit www.missouriorgandonor.com.
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.
You have received this email as a result of your affiliation with the Lions Clubs of Missouri.
Questions and comments about this newsletter can be directed to info@mlerf.org
If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, please click here, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.