Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation announces they will provide comprehensive eye health care to address the growing need for vision care services for children in some of the most populated counties in Georgia, made possible through the Sight For Kids program, co-founded by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and Johnson & Johnson.
In coordination with the current Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation's school-based screening programming, the Sight For Kids program will expand into Fulton, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties aiming to provide vision screenings to 10,000 students in more than 50 schools over two years. “We are committed to closing the gap of vision care in our state, so every child is empowered to live their best life. We look forward to increasing access to comprehensive eye care and seeing the local impact of Sight For Kids as we work to reach even more students across Georgia,” said Beth Ehrhardt, Executive Director, Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation.
Sight For Kids in Georgia
- Eye Screenings: Program aims to conduct eye screening for 10,000 children to identify students with a potential
vision problem, conducted by Georgia Lions Club members trained by Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation. - Follow-up care: An anticipated average of 40% (or 4,000) of the children screened will be referred to local
ophthalmologists and optometrists for comprehensive exams and appropriate treatment, as needed (such as free
eyeglasses or otherwise, such as eye drops or referrals for surgery). Training: Teachers and staff trained about the importance of eye health.
Eye Health in Georgia
There will be a 220% increase in vision impairment in Georgia by 2050, and a 52% increase in conditions such as diabetic retinopathy. Yet, research by Emory Eye Center* identified 52 counties in Georgia where there are few, if any, vision care providers. This equates to 33% of Georgia counties, essentially vision deserts, which lack eye care services.
Early onset of vision impairment in children can cause developmental delays in motor skills, language acquisition, emotional development, and social interactions, among others. 3 Additionally, school-age children facing vision impairment may struggle to attain academic success, resulting in lower educational outcomes, 3 and impacting their future earnings. 4
“Lions Clubs International Foundation is immensely proud of our collaboration with Johnson & Johnson through Sight For Kids that is helping bring comprehensive eye health care to millions of children across the globe,” said Dr. Patti Hill, LCIF chairperson. “Thank you to the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Atlanta Public Schools and the Atlanta Lions for implementing Sight For Kids programming in your communities. You are all an integral part of empowering these children to reach their fullest potential.”