Local Partnerships Provide Funds for Vision Screening

Mike Renkin, Karen Ketcham, April Faull, Prowers County Sheriff Jim Faull

A recent $1,000 donation from Lamar Rotary is helping the Lamar Lions Club achieve their goal to raise funds to purchase a vision screening machine.

The Welch Allyn SureSight vision screen device costs $5,800 and will provide free vision screen tests for children three to six years of age in southeast Colorado. One in 20 children of this age has vision problems that could turn into permanent vision loss if untreated. The device takes only a few moments to test a child, requires no preparation or medication and is totally painless. Parents must complete a consent form prior to the screening.

Once purchased, the unit will be put into use in the area by November, according to Prowers County Sheriff Jim Faull. Karen Ketcham, Rotary President, said that three years ago, four preschool children were tested in the area and found to have vision problems. Faull said he’s happy that other service clubs including Lions Clubs from Lamar, Springfield and Wiley are contributing to the fund-raiser, as well as the Lamar Rotary Club and Lamar Eagles. “Children from Bent, Baca Wiley and Prowers County will be able to be tested once this device has been purchased,” said Faull.

By Russ Baldwin