Pediatric Vision Screening
If We Could Only See Through the Eyes of a Child...
The CHEMPI Elks Pediatric Vision Screening Program was created in 1965 to screen preschool children 2½ to 5 years of age for vision deficiencies. It is the goal of the program to significantly decrease the number of children at risk for amblyopia (“lazy eye”) and other vision problems such as astigmatism, hyperopia, and myopia by checking their eyes early on.
This program has been highly successful in helping kids that, if these problems are not been caught early on, can cause permanent eye damage over the years.
How different would our world be? In a classroom, a seemingly bright child can't stay focused on the chalkboard, while on the playground an otherwise athletic young child is the last to be picked on a team because they can't catch a ball. Both of these children have one thing in common: they are part of the thousands of children who enter school with vision issues that have gone undiagnosed or undetected.
It is estimated that one in every twenty children between the ages of three and five has a vision problem. One of these problems is Amblyopia (also called "Lazy Eye") which, if not treated before the age of six or seven, can cause permanently impaired vision or even blindness in one eye. Eye specialists estimate that about 100,000 children pass beyond treatment age each year.
The Elk's Pediatric Vision Screening Program screens between 35,000 to 40,000 children each year. It is the goal of the program to significantly decrease the number of children at risk, and it is with the thanks to this highly effective program that thousands of children have been saved from permanent eye damage over the years.
With screenings held in preschools, day care centers, Elks Lodges, and health fairs, the program stresses early identification of possible eye disorders. In addition, the Elks certified Pediatric Vision Screeners guide families toward finding the appropriate medical help, in adddition to securing additional financial assistance when needed.
For a child who can't see clearly, learning in the world can become a daunting and frustrating experience. With a clear vision to protect our children, the Elk's Pediatric Vision Screening Program will continue to help children enjoy life's many rewards, such as seeing a smile on a grandparent's fae or a rainbow in all its color.
CHEMPI Professional Staff now sponsors:
Conducted by certified pediatric vision screening professional staff, the vision screener:
It is thanks to this highly effective program that thousands of children’s vision has been saved.
So How Can You Help?
Every dollar counts. Ninety-four cents of every dollar goes directly to help the children.
All donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE!
Your donations help kids Walk, Talk, See, and Play.
Did you know that the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. offers vision care, and in many qualified cases, limited funds are available to help your child see?
Mission Statement:
The California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc., a committee of the California-Hawaii Elks Association, pledges its commitment to addressing the unmet needs of children with disabilities throughout the states of California and Hawaii by developing a program of supporting service to aid these children at no cost to their families and without discrimination.
After the introduction of the Pediatric Vision Screening program in 1965, the Elks of California and Hawaii developed the Vision Care Program in 2001 to provide emergency financial assistance for eye examinations, glasses and medical care for eligible children with covered eye conditions.
Limited Funds are Available For:
Who is eligible to use these funds?
Children Who Are:
How Does One Apply?
For assistance with eye examinations and/or glasses:
- Contact Megan Macleod by filling out the form below, the Pediatric Vision Screener, or the Therapist who referred your child.
- Contact the director at the preschool where your child had the eye screening.
For assistance with other eye care:
- Contact the Pediatric Vision Screener or the Therapist who referred your child.
- Contact the director at the preschool where your child had the eye screening.
- Complete the financial assistance application which will be provided by our staff.
Request for Information - CHEMPI Services
Have a question about our therapy programs or professional services? Use this form to get in touch with our Director of Professional Services.