Since being challenged by Helen Keller in 1925 to be the "Knights of the Blind", Lions Clubs members around the world have included sight preservation as part of their ongoing community service. To this end, the Burbank Noon Lions Club has participated with eyemobile screenings at public events, referral programs for eye exams and glasses and equipment to aid the visually impaired for the residence of Burbank.


KidSight Burbank, our newest service project, is offering eye screenings for pre-school aged children for the purpose of detecting vision problems before they cause permanent damage or inhibit normal development. One in every four children suffers from a vision problem - making vision disorders the most prevalent handicapping condition in childhood. Because the eye is almost completely developed by the time a child is six years old, early detection of vision issues is mandatory in enabling critical physical and mental development and preventing sight-robbing diseases. Less than 20 percent of children receive a comprehensive eye exam prior to age six. Studies show that during a child's first 12 years, 80 percent of all learning is obtained visually. And down the road, studies indicate 70 percent of juvenile delinquents are found to have a vision problem.

The KidSight project is unique to the Verdugo Hills communities, in fact to all of California. Introduced in Fall of 2010, by the Burbank Noon Lions Club, free screenings are being made available to childcare facilities throughout the City.

Lions Club volunteers network within the childcare community to schedule screening sessions. Using specialized handheld, portable, computerized equipment, an image of each child's eyes is taken (like a photograph). The images are then sent, via Internet, for test result review by a professional. The childcare facility is notified of any test results that call for future follow-up, and communication is shared with the parents via facility staff.

For those children requiring follow-up exams/care, KidSight Burbank provides information about the availability of other existing Lions' programs, which will underwrite the cost for eye care for income-qualifying families.

For more information about Burbank Noon Lions Club projects, including scheduling KidSight Burbank screenings, or to become a volunteer on projects, contact Marva Murphy, 818-955-8018 or email: mm@2m4pr.com

Please see our Public Service Announcement:
Guidelines for Normal Visual Behavior in the First Year