West Milford Lions Club members are visiting preschools and kindergartens as part of the club’s commitment to protecting vision. They are using a special camera to check for six vision disorders that can lead to lazy eye (amblyopia), the number one cause of monocular blindness. “Many kids do not get their first vision test until they enter elementary school, and that is often too late,” said Barbara Corsaro, screening committee chairperson of the West Milford Lions. “Vision screening helps head off the potential effects of six vision disorders that often go undetected and untreated in preverbal children.” Each child is tested with a non-invasive, technologically-advanced device from Medical Technology, Incorporated. This special camera takes instant photographs of childrens’ eyes and can indicate potential vision disorders in the resulting photographs. If warning signs are present in the photos, parents are contacted so that the child can be referred to a local eyecare professional for a full optometric/ophthalmologic exam. Photographs are sent to Camden Eye Center for analysis and diagnosis by trained physicians. The Amblyopia Screening Program is made possible by a grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). At their May 7 meeting, the club received a donation from the proceeds of Broadway in the Highlands, an annual variety show that showcases the talents of local children and teenagers. They will use the money to purchase a new camera for future vision screenings. They currently use an older film camera. The new digital camera will provide more accurate results without the need to purchase expensive film. The amblyopia screening program has screened more than 600 children in the West Milford and Jefferson school districts this year. For more information on the West Milford Lions Club visit www.westmilfordlions.com.