In an effort to enhance children's eye health, the Beaufort Lions Club has embarked on a significant initiative by offering free vision screenings at all nine public elementary schools in Carteret County. Since early December, club members have utilized a specialized camera to screen more than 1,300 students across seven schools. This program is part of the national Lions KidSight USA project, which aims to identify common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. If any issues are detected, parents receive notifications and recommendations for professional follow-up care. The initiative has already made a notable impact, with approximately 10 to 11 percent of students referred for further examination.

The Beaufort Lions Club's dedication to improving children's vision is evident in their efficient and thorough approach. Nan Bejian, the president of the Beaufort Lions Club, highlighted the positive reception from school staff, noting that administrators and nurses are impressed by the speed and effectiveness of the screenings. For instance, one recent session saw the screening of 522 students within just two and a half hours, leaving the school nurse in awe of the operation's efficiency.

Moving forward, the Beaufort Lions Club plans to expand its efforts to private schools in Carteret County during "LUV" Days, or Lions United Vision. These additional screenings will take place next week. The entire initiative is expected to wrap up in late January and February at Bogue Sound Elementary and Newport Elementary. Through this comprehensive outreach, the club aims to ensure that no child's learning potential is hindered by undiagnosed vision problems.

By bringing this vital service to local schools, the Beaufort Lions Club is making a lasting difference in the lives of many young students. The proactive measures taken by the club not only help detect vision issues early but also underscore the importance of regular eye check-ups for children. As the screenings continue, the hope is that more families will become aware of the significance of maintaining good eye health from an early age.