According to the American Public Health Association, approximately 10% of preschoolers have eye or vision problems. When children can’t see clearly, they may have difficulty reading, writing, and paying attention in class. Unfortunately, many young children have vision problems that go undetected. To help the children of Aurora, the Aurora Noon Lions Club and the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) are providing free vision screenings for children at the West Branch every month until the end of the year.
A vision screening is a quick and painless test that can identify children who may need further eye care. It can detect problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and amblyopia (lazy eye). These problems can interfere with a child’s ability to see clearly, which can lead to problems in school and other areas of life.
“While similar screenings are done in Illinois State public schools, these are a helpful tool for parents of very young children who have not yet started school,” said West Branch manager, Scott Grotto. If children fail a vision screening, they will be referred to an eye doctor for a more complete exam. Although the Library is not the first place one would think of receiving a vision screening, with the help of partners such as the Aurora Noon Lions Club, we are thankful to reach more people in the community in need of services.
The Aurora Noon Lions Club has been committed to improving the greater Aurora area for more than 100 years. The motto is “We serve the blind, hearing-impaired, children and adults in general need of support in our community.” (www.auroranoonlions.org).
“The Aurora Noon Lions Club is an important community organization, and we are proud to be partners with them to offer this free service to parents and families,” added Grotto. “Ensuring equitable access to community resources is a cornerstone of the Library’s mission, and so far these screenings have been well received by families.” Early intervention can make a real difference in a child’s life and the Aurora Noon Lions Club is proud to provide every child with the opportunity to see their best.
If you or someone you know has children between the ages of six months and six years, these free vision screenings can be most helpful. Please note that a vision screening is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam, but can help identify children who may need further care. To receive a vision screening for your child, visit the West Branch of the Aurora Public Library on the third Saturday of the month between 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (no appointment is necessary). For additional information, please contact the Library 630-264-4117, or the Aurora Noon Lions Club directly at auroranoonlions@yahoo.com.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.