For the past 37 years, The Lions Club of Grand Cayman along with local optometrists have been conducting sight screening amongst children ages five (5) to thirteen (13) within schools throughout the Cayman Islands. These screenings are designed to detect early vision disorders including diminished visual acuity, amblyopia, and refractive errors. Each year, there has been an increasing number (up to 25%) of conditions detected including myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The good news is they are detected early, and most are correctable.

This year, in an effort to raise funds dedicated to purchasing “hand held vision screening devices” (SPOT); the Club has incorporated a fundraising bike-a-thon “Lions Cycling for Sight”. This initiative is scheduled to take place Sunday April 28th and aims to bring together the cycling community to support the Club’s efforts to raise funds.

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.

POT is a modern eye screening equipment geared toward children and specifically screens for several common vision issues, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, blurred vision, unequal refractive power, structural abnormalities and unequal pupil size. It captures results in less than one second, assesses a child’s vision quickly, accurately and objectively. This equipment will assist The Club and optometrists to effectively screen the growing number of students within our local schools.

The cost of the screening is paid in full by the Lions Club Of Grand Cayman using funds raised by Lion in the community and from the corporate sponsors.

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.