03/22/2026
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Jefferson County JVS
Lions Club Provides Vision Screening
BLOOMINGDALE-The Richmond Lions Club is continuing the organization’s mission to promote vision care by assisting with recent screenings at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.
Member Ken Miser joined school nurse Connie Shea and helped review 178 juniors’ eyesight while Shea conducted hearing tests on March 11. Miser utilized a Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener, a hand-held portable device which detects conditions such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness and gaze deviation (abnormal positioning of the eyes). The camera-like device is aimed at the student and captures an image of both eyes in seconds, providing a quick summary of results that is wirelessly transmitted to a printer. The school nurse then sends the results home for parents to follow up with a doctor.
“We’ve done this for nine years and started with Edison,” Miser said. “We also go to Steubenville Catholic Central, Bishop John King Mussio Jr. High and the JVS. We visit schools once a year to perform vision checks.”
He said the organization got involved in the program following a presentation from Cadiz Lions Club member Bob Burge, who displayed a similar camera. The Richmond Lions acquired a device and have screened an average of 900 to 1,200 students per year.
“We go to most schools in September and October and then we come to the JVS in March,” he added. “It has been a blessing and it makes us feel like we’re doing something good.”
Shea said having the Lions Club involved has made a significant difference with the process.
“[Miser] has helped me since I started working here. The first time I did it, it took several days because I did both hearing and vision tests. It now takes one day and I have help, plus it’s more accurate because I have a Snellen Chart. This is more efficient and accurate with the camera. He has been a huge help.”
She added that the students’ physicians receive a copy of failed exams for referrals to help remedy sight and sound issues.
“Unfortunately, a lot of kids don’t have these exams done, but kids have been able to get glasses and more exams with these screenings. We’ve also been able to get students glasses.”
According to its website, Lions Club International offers vision screening programs known as Lions SEE and KidSight, which aim to detect and address vision problems early in children to ensure they receive the support they need for their development. Lions SEE (Screening Eyes Early) focuses on decreasing childhood blindness through early detection and treatment of common disorders, while Lions KidSight USA is a nationwide initiative that mobilizes Lions clubs to conduct vision screenings, particularly targeting those between the ages of six months to six years old. It identifies risk factors or lazy eye and other issues and refers children for comprehensive eye exams when necessary.
Statistics indicate that one in three children have poor but correctable vision and often need eyeglasses. However, early detection is crucial because vision problems left undetected by age 7 may lead to permanent issues. It also impacts learning because 80 percent is visual, and undetected vision disorders can significantly hinder a child’s academic and social development. By providing screenings, the Lions Club’s goal is to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive.
Photo Caption:
Ken Miser, a member of the Richmond Lions Club, utilizes a Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener to help detect sight issues in a student at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School. The organization has assisted area schools through its vision project to ensure youth have the support they need to thrive. Miser said the Lions screen between 900 to 1,200 students each year and results are sent home to follow up with a physician.
