Lions to help children with vision disorders

(LCGC): The Lions Club of Grand Cayman is organizing a fundraising bike-a-thon to buy hand held vision screening devices for children with vision disorders. The event, “Lions Cycling for Sight” will take place on Sunday 28th April. President of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman, Ian Callow, said “These devices cost CI$8,855 each.  SPOT is modern eye screening equipment which is designed for children and specifically screens for several common vision issues.” He continued, “We are appealing to everyone in the community to come out and support us, whether you participate as a rider or come out and to cheer the riders’ home. “ adding, “Please remember no donation is too small.”

The event starts from Lovers Rock in East End and finishes at the Lions Community Centre. The entry fee is $50 per cyclist and Lions will be provide water stops along the way. Participants will have an opportunity to win prizes like smartphones and gift vouchers.

Lions have are recognised globally for their work to improve sight and prevent blindness, and sight programmes remain one of the Lions’ defining causes.

The Lions Club of Grand Cayman has a history of providing sight screening within schools across the Cayman Islands.  The screening is designed to detect early vision disorders in children between the ages of five and thirteen.  If a young child’s eyes cannot send clear images to the brain, his or her vision may become limited in ways that cannot be corrected later in life. 

According to the Lions Club, 85% of a child’s learning is related to sight yet many vision issues go undetected, which can have an adverse effect on a child’s educational development. Issues with sight should be identified as early as possible to ensure successful treatment. For example, Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Funds can be donated by cheque made payable to The Lions Club of Grand Cayman and mailed to PO Box 1400, Grand Cayman KY1 1110.

More information about the Lions can be found at www.lionsclub.ky/cycling-for-sight-2 or on the club’s Facebook page.