Lions World Vision Institute will extend its Pediatric Vision Health programs with free vision screenings for children throughout Tampa Bay.
Tampa, FL—Lions World Vision Institute, headquartered in Ybor City, Florida, is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to setting new standards for ocular endeavors that will improve visual outcomes and quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired. The Lions World Vision Institute Foundation announced today they will be expanding their Pediatric Vision Program beyond the classroom into the community due to funding from the State of Florida Department of Health.
Lions World Vision Institute is offering a series of free vision screenings, exams, and glasses to anyone in the community aged 5-17. A parent or guardian authorized to sign a waiver must accompany the children. Registration is encouraged. Children can be registered at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EADAD2BA4F8C25-47750246-youth#/. The first clinic is being held on February 26, 2024 at Sunshine Health Welll Center. Additional clinics are being scheduled for Pinellas and Pasco counties. Visit: https://lwvi.org/vision-health-program/ for more information.
Vision is a strong predictor of academic performance in children. Yet, 1 in 4 children have an undiagnosed vision problem. Vision disorders in children affect cognitive, social, and physical development, future health, and well-being. An eye health problem can be the reason a child does not perform well at school. Conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eye) can go undetected and, if not addressed by the time a child is eight years old when eyesight is fully developed, can lead to lifelong problems and result in an irreversible loss of sight. The Lions World Vision Institute Foundation is dedicated to the ocular health of our nation's children by removing the primary obstacles in accessing proper care including the scarcity of healthcare professionals, limited transportation options, absence of health insurance, financial constraints, and language barriers.
Some alarming statistics and truths supporting the need for the important work being done at the Lions World Vision Institute Foundation include:
1 out of 4 children have an undiagnosed vision problem.
1 out of 5 children cannot afford vision care.
80% of children labeled as "learning disabled" have undiagnosed vision problems that can impede learning and social development.
45% of the Tampa Bay area falls under ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and facing financial challenges.
Limited resources hinder access to quality vision care, including eyeglasses, and exams.
70% of juvenile offenders have undiagnosed vision problems.
75% of school vision screeners miss vision problems.
70% of classroom learning depends on the visual system and students with uncorrected vision programs are at a tremendous disadvantage before they even enter a classroom.
Established in 2005, the Lions World Vision Institute Foundation serves as the fundraising and community outreach arm of the organization. It has a separate Board of Directors. The foundation is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the gift of sight. Restoring sight in the community and around the globe through various programs is their major focus. Individuals and families can support the life-changing work so many more can see! Visit the Lions World Vision Institute website to see how you can be the difference in someone’s sight: www.LWVI.org
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