Lions Club seeking partners for new vision test cameras

The Post Falls Lions Club is seeking charitable partners to help purchase specialized cameras to expand its free vision screening program for local students across North Idaho. 

This year alone, the club screened over 1,200 2nd, 4th and 6th graders. The schedule is designed so students are checked every other grade, helping catch vision problems early. 

“We should pretty much catch everybody,” Macaulay said.

The handheld cameras produce a simple “pass or refer” result without requiring children to read an eye chart. Students stand a short distance away and look at a target while the device measures refractive error and other common sight issues. 

Results are obtained in moments, allowing full classes to be tested in about 15 minutes when two cameras are used. 

"It’s just really simple, very in-and-out,” Macaulay said. “All they’re doing, basically, is just looking at it." 

The technology is about 95% accurate and can be used on children as young as 5 months. When a referral is indicated, a note is sent home so parents can follow up with an optometrist. 

Macaulay said clear vision is especially critical for students. Children who struggle to see the whiteboard may try to lip-read or fall behind without realizing the problem and telling their parents.

“Not being able to see is such a hardship,” he said. “In childhood they may not totally understand.” 

Currently, the club shares the screening cameras across a large region stretching into British Columbia, limiting availability. Cameras cost about $7,500 each. Macaulay said owning a pair would allow screenings to start earlier and reduce the limited availability of shared cameras. 

Macaulay said that the devices would also be loaned to Lions Clubs across the Inland Northwest, including Coeur d’Alene, Rathdrum and the Silver Valley. 

He estimates the equipment could eventually serve more than 10,000 students across the area. The cameras would also be at community events, like Post Falls Days, to offer quick public checks. 

The North Idaho Eye Institute recently donated $1,000 toward the effort. Macaulay said that the club is approaching other local businesses, optometrists and grant sources, but that small donations add up. 

“If we can pick up $500 here and $500 there,” he said. 

Anyone interested in supporting the camera purchase or other Lions Club vision projects should contact Post Falls Lions Club President Ted Macaulay at 559-786-1188.