About the Project

The Wyoming Lions Early Childhood Vision Project is committed to ensuring that all children in the state of Wyoming receive the highest quality eye care. Local Lions Clubs volunteers and professionals from Developmental Centers conduct vision screening activities with children ages six months to 72 months of age. These screening activities include external observation, stereopsis, acuity, a specialized camera called the PhotoScreener^TM, and the PediaVision Assessment System. Screening results are given to parents and a summary of the results are returned to the screening site and screening agency. Children who fail the screening are referred to eye care professionals throughout Wyoming and neighboring states and parents/guardians are encouraged to make an appointment. Follow-up services for all referred children are offered through the project. The Wyoming Lions Early Childhood Vision Project is the sole data collection center for the state of Wyoming for early childhood vision screening. This data is used for research purposes to ensure that effective and efficient screening instruments are used.

Mission Statement and Purpose

To conduct uniform vision screening for the purpose of early detection of Wyoming children with vision problems by using uniform screening and referral processes that lead to timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention.

The purpose of vision screening is the prevention of serious vision problems (amblyopia) through early detection. Vision screening should be done annually. Vision screening does not replace the need for a complete eye evaluation by an eye care professional. A child should have an eye exam by an eye care professional by the time he/she is six months of age, at three years of age, before entering kindergarten and as recommended by the child's eye care professional.

Project Effectiveness

Wyoming has screened approximately 52,000 children. Over 4,800 of those children have been referred on to an eye care professional. Of the children who completed an adequate exam by an eye care professional, approximately 2,100 received a diagnosis of vision impairment and are undergoing various treatments/corrections. Nearly 300 children have been diagnosed with amblyopia (lazy eye) and are receiving treatment.