School Vision Screening (SVS)
The School Vision Screening (SVS) program aims to detect vision problems before they become serious. SVS has two primary objectives: conduct over 600 annual on-site health screenings for a minimum of 180,000 children and provide follow-up referrals for low-cost services to those with health problems.
Working in partnership with local Lions Clubs, school nurses, and school districts, SVS collaborates with local health professionals and community organizations to conduct statewide screening events in Oregon.
Our Approach
OLSHF has accomplished our goal by successfully scheduling and coordinating each event with Oregon school nurses, district staff, and local Lions Clubs. In addition, SVS collaborates with local health professionals and community organizations to provide these vital services statewide. SVS staff around the state collaborate with Lions Clubs to promote screenings, secure needed volunteers, announce the events in local media, document screenings, track statistics, and create post-screening reports.
Each year, we train hundreds of parents, school nurses, nursing students, and community volunteers to use the digital Spot vision screener under the guidance of SVS staff.
Our Technology
OLSHF uses the innovative Welch Allyn Spot™ device to screen students. Using this device, we can detect eight different vision issues in seconds.
No need for an eye chart now, which means our services are more inclusive.
We can reach more children who can’t read yet, children who are nonverbal, or children who don’t speak English as a first language.
-
Brad King
Lead School Screening Events Coordinator - Northern OR (Tillamook to Portland to Idaho Border)
-
Jon Awbrey
School Screening Events Coordinator - Central Oregon
-
Bert Diamond
School Screening Events Coordinator - Greater Portland
-
Paula Hilgers
School Screening Events Coordinator - Mid-Willamette Valley
-
Steve Tronnes
School Screening Events Coordinator - Southern Oregon
-
Kerith Vance
School Screening Events Coordinator - Northwest Oregon
-
Stephen Brewster
School Screening Events Coordinator - Southern Oregon
-
Deb Nelson
School Screening Events Coordinator - Southern Willamette Valley
-
Donna Penny
School Screening Events Coordinator - Coastal
-
Robert Springer
School Screening Events Coordinator - Willamette Valley
-
Betty Jane Bugbee
School Screening Events Coordinator - Northeast Oregon
Our Team in Action
Quinn’s mom, Misty, had no way of knowing that her daughter had serious eye conditions that could cause significant issues, including blindness, if left untreated.
Watch our video to see how an OLSHF school vision screening was able to save Quinn’s sight.
Request a school screening event
If you are interested in learning more about our program, bringing a screening to your school, or even volunteering at an upcoming event, please contact us at schoolscreening@olshf.org or use the contact form provided.
“As a former high school teacher and principal, I can’t overstate the value of catching vision issues early so we can correct them, and kids can work to their potential.”
— Former Senator Arnie Roblan, Coos Bay
