The Willow Springs Lions Club remains committed to protecting children’s vision through the KidSight Vision Screening Program, offering free, touchless, and noninvasive eye screenings to youth across the community. Conducted by certified Lions Club volunteers, these screenings can detect seven different refractive abnormalities, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and amblyopia (lazy eye).
When a potential issue is identified, families receive more than just information. The initial optometrist visit is free, and the child’s first pair of eyeglasses is also provided at no cost, thanks to the partnership between the Lions Club and KidSight. This program ensures that every child—regardless of financial circumstances—has access to early detection and essential vision care.
So far this year, the Willow Springs Lions Club has screened 170 children across six schools, Head Start programs, and daycare facilities. Of those screenings, 21 children received referrals, meaning a vision abnormality was detected and a follow‑up exam with an optometrist is recommended. Parents are provided with the screening data to share with their eye‑care provider, who then performs a full exam—all fully funded by the Lions Club and KidSight.
The Club’s mission is clear: to promote preventative eye care, support early detection, and ensure that children with vision challenges receive the care, referrals, and corrective lenses they need to thrive.
For more information about the Willow Springs Lions Club or the KidSight program—or to schedule a screening event at your school, daycare, or organization—please contact Steve Rohrer at 417‑252‑9410.
