FREE EYE SCREENING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

It is estimated that 3% of Tennessee's 1.2 million children have some type of eye problem other than need for glasses.

The Tennessee Lions Eye Center, with tremendous volunteerism of Lions Club members across the state of Tennessee operates an Outreach Program that provides free vision screening to help identify young children with visual problems.

What is "photo screening"?

Lions Club volunteers have been trained by Vanderbilt to operate a special hand held camera called an MTI Photo screener™. This camera can help detect eye problems in children ages 6 to 48 months who are too young to communicate possible vision problems. This "test" is completely non-invasive, we are literally just taking a Polaroid™ picture of your child's eyes.

What kind of vision problems?

Problems that cause lazy eye, such as misaligned eyes, refractive errors and congenital cataracts. These problems are normally not evident just by looking at a child.

Why screen my child now?

These vision disorders are more easily treated in a young child.

How much does this screening cost?

Thanks to the support and volunteerism of the Tennessee Lions, the screening is free!

What happens if a possible problem is detected in my child's vision?

The results of your child's screening are evaluated at Vanderbilt Medical Center. You will receive results within 2 weeks of the screening. If a problem is detected your child will be referred to an ophthalmologist or optometrist in your own community.

Most exams should be covered by individual heath insurance or Tenn Care, however plans vary and you may need to contact your child's primary care doctor.