The Columbus Lions Club invited local eye professionals to a recent meeting to see and hear about PediaVision’s new “Spot” camera. The camera is a revolutionary new tool for spotting vision problems in people of all ages from six months to senior citizens.

Lion Donna Henson of Taylors, S.C. brought a Spot camera and demonstrated the simplicity of its use. All present took turns on both sides of the camera. The eye doctors were impressed by the accuracy of its diagnoses of their own vision defects. The camera quickly takes a photo and prints out its findings.

Most persons have “normal” vision, but if abnormalities are found, the printout may be taken by the patient (or parents) to an eye professional for follow-up.

Kathy Harding, health director for Polk County Schools, has since arranged with Lion Henson and the Columbus Lions Club a screening at Forbes Pre-School and at Polk Central Elementary. Of 57 children screened with the camera, 10 were referred for consultation with an eye professional, for a referral rate of 17.5 percent.

Lion Henson has screened nearly 3,000 elementary and pre-school children in the few months her district has had its camera. Their referral rate is about 7 percent. Dr. Edney pointed out that the camera is much more accurate and comprehensive than the testing methods generally used by non-professionals. Early diagnosis and correction of vision problems may help young students avoid learning difficulties as they begin their school career.

The Columbus Lions have been raising funds to purchase a Spot camera. The price has come down from some $10,000 last year to less than $7,000 now. To make a tax-deductible contribution for this cause, make a check out to “NCLI-Columbus Lions Club” and mail to P. O. Box 121, Columbus NC 28722.

Call Fran Goodwin at 828-894-2505 for more information.

– article submitted by Garland Goodwin