FAQ
What is Lions Child Sight UK?
Lions Child Sight UK is a Lions International MD105 (the British Isles) project with an intention of offering screening to every child of primary school age for vision issues.
What is the purpose of School Vision Screening?
Vision screening is recommended for children aged 4 and 5 to screen for conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), which can affect quality of life, social interactions, and educational ability.
Who is this project aimed at?
This project is intended for all primary (5-11) school aged children, with an emphasis on Early Years and Year 1 children.
Why do we need this screening programme?
Whilst sight tests and spectacles are free for children, in full-time education, many parents do not take their children for eye tests. Screening helps identify apparently healthy individuals who may be at risk for conditions like amblyopia. Early detection allows for further tests and treatments to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
Does this replace a full eye exam?
NO, the screening complements full eye exams by optometrists or ophthalmologists and helps facilitate faster treatment.
How does the screening help communities?
By offering early detection of eye issues, it helps ensure children receive timely treatment, improving their long-term eye health.
How many school age children are there in the UK?
According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there are approximately 3.8 million children aged 5-11 in the UK
How many children, of a school age, might have a sight issue?
Approximately 20% of school-aged children in the UK have an undiagnosed vision problem. This means that around 760,000 children aged 5-11 might have sight issues. Source: https://www.visionmatters.org.uk
Are parents taking children for sight tests?
Up to 50% of parents with children aged 8 and under have never taken their child for a sight test Source: https://www.visionmatters.org.uk
What are the advantages of this programme?
By diagnosing vision issues before the age of 8 you give a child an opportunity of correcting the issue.
If a national screening programme exists, why do Lions want to get involved in Vision Screening?
While the national screening programme works well in some areas, inequalities exist across England, especially in income-deprived areas where children are less likely to be offered screening. Lions aim to reach these underserved areas to make a positive impact in the community
What gaps does Lions’ vision screening address?
The current programme primarily assesses for amblyopia (lazy eye) using an Orthoptist and a letter chart. Lions’ vision cameras can detect more potential vision issues.
Will vision screening affect the work of optometrists?
NO, vision screening will not impact the work of optometrists. In fact, it will support them by identifying children who may need further care.
How does vision screening benefit optometrists?
Vision screening helps detect children at risk of conditions like short-sightedness (myopia), allowing optometrists to manage and treat these issues early in their clinics.
What are the future projections for short-sightedness?
By 2030, 30% of the global population is expected to be short-sighted, and this figure is projected to increase to 50% by 2050. Vision screening can help address this growing concern early. Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology. https://bjo.bmj.com
What camera are we using?
We are using a PlusoptiX S20 camera. This is a German manufactured unit that is easy to use and quickly provides accurate results.
Do Lions need to be DBS checked?
YES, all Lions involved in this project MUST hold a valid Enhanced DBS certificate. This project involves children so it is important that Lions are checked.
ONLY LIONS WITH A CURRENT DBS CHECK WILL BE INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAMME.
How is the screening data used?
Lions, in doing vision screening, are NOT conducting medical examinations resulting in a diagnosis; we are only screening, resulting in a referral when necessary. However, we still need to be aware of our responsibility to protect our subjects’ privacy
- We DO NOT include any children’s or family names or addresses in any discussion of the screening results.
- Parents/guardians MUST sign permission forms allowing their child to be screened.
- NO data, other than total children screened and number of referrals is recorded by Lions Child Sight UK.
What data will Lions retain after a screening?
The ONLY data that is retained by Lions, after a screening session, is:
- The name of the school and address.
- Date of the screening session.
- The number of children screened.
- The number/percentage of referrals.
Sharing data with 3rd parties
Lions Child Sight UK DO NOT AND WILL NOT share any data from the screening sessions with any 3rd party. The data retained by Lions, as detailed in the previous question, will only be used internally and to update the national Lions Child Sight UK website. https://lionschildsightuk.co.uk/.
What happens to the paperwork generated during a screening?
Other than the information detailed in the previous question, all paperwork MUST be left with the school.
What identifies a trained screener?
All trained Lion vision screeners are issued with a photo identification card, which is valid for three years from the data of training.
Can Lions be alone with children?
NO, Lion will NEVER be left alone with the Children.
A teacher or a teaching assistant MUST be present with the children.
Can photographs be taken during a screening session?
NO photographs of the screening sessions can be taken, UNLESS written consent is granted, by the child’s parent/guardian PRIOR to the screening session.