More than 350 pre-K and kindergarten students at Lindenwold Early Childhood Education recently got free vision screenings from the Voorhees Gibbsboro Lions Club.
The children were screened over three days, an effort that was part of the club’s long-standing commitment to early vision care as a way to prevent avoidable blindness. Club members – guided by school nurses – used advanced eye-imaging technology to identify potential issues such as amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye.”
“The inspiration behind our three-day vision screening event stems from our unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for children in our community,” said Sapana Raval, the club’s vice president and community organizer.
“Recognizing that early detection of vision issues is crucial for a child’s development, we aimed to provide accessible screenings to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
“Usually the Lions Club members doing the screening are guided by the school nurse to a designated room where the screenings take place,” explained Dr. Mimi Hadi, optometrist and founder of the Voorhees Gibbsboro Lions Club. “ … We screened about 350 kids over the course of three days.”
Raval explained that the screenings are designed to be simple and reassuring for kids, while raising awareness of eye health among parents and caregivers.
“During the event, our trained volunteers conducted a series of simple tests that assess visual acuity and overall eye health,” she said. “If any concerns are identified, we ensure that parents receive clear and comprehensive information about the findings, along with guidance on the next steps.
“Our goal is to empower parents with knowledge and facilitate access to necessary care.”
Volunteers distributed animal stickers to each child after their test, a small gesture that had a big effect.
“It was amazing to see the joy that something as simple as a sticker could bring them,” Hadi marveled. “In their young minds, they could sense we were doing something good for them.”
Experts say early vision screenings can have a lasting impact on children’s education and development. Sue Gilbert, retired school nurse and Community Service Chair for the Lions Club, echoed that.
“Catching vision problems early in children is crucial because it prevents long-term vision damage and supports overall development,” she pointed out. “Early detection can improve academic performance, boost confidence and ensure children meet developmental milestones.”
Gilbert – who spent 25 years as a school nurse – saw first hand the difference vision care can make in the classroom.
“Some children labeled as having learning issues may simply need corrective lenses,” she noted.
Dr. Edward Melman, an optometrist and charter member of the club, also remarked on how much vision affects learning.
“Vision and hearing are the most important senses involved in learning,” he stated. “Two to 4% of kids will have a lazy eye or eye turn that should be addressed early. Since these issues don’t cause pain, they can easily go unnoticed, leaving a child at a disadvantage compared to their peers.”
The Voorhees Gibbsboro Lions Club plans to expand its screenings in 2026 to include day-care centers and additional schools in neighboring communities.
“We’re actively planning to reach out to other schools and towns,” Hadi ensured. “Our vision is to create a network of support that prioritizes eye health, fostering a healthier future for all children in our community.”
For Raval and her fellow Lions members, the large-scale outreach was a reminder of what community collaboration can achieve.
“Screening around 350 children in just three days is a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about our club’s dedication to community service,” Raval observed. “Each child screened represents a potential improvement in their educational journey and overall well-being.”
Parents who want to schedule a school vision screening or learn more about the program can contact the Lions Club at pcoiris1@gmail.com.
