Prevent Blindness Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Lions Foundation have partnered since 1998 to provide vision screenings and ensure proper vision care for children aged 6 months to 18 years. Last year they screened over 15,000 children, referring 1,200 for additional eye exams. Resources like BadgerCare Plus and vouchers from Prevent Blindness Wisconsin can help uninsured or low-income children afford exams and glasses. Early treatment of vision problems is important to prevent permanent vision loss or learning difficulties in young children.

1. Prevent Blindness Wisconsin & the Wisconsin Lions Foundation
Since 1998, the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, Lions and Lioness clubs statewide, and Prevent
Blindness Wisconsin have worked together to help fight against blindness and to ensure that
every child – from six months to eighteen years – sees properly.
Vision screenings are the first step in identifying potential eye disorders. Last year alone, Lions
and Lioness provided vision screenings for 15,601 children and referred nearly 1,200 children
for additional care with an eye care professional. Children who do not pass the vision screening
must have a follow up eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist in order to
receive a diagnosis and treatment.
Many resources are available to help children get an eye examination. Children enrolled in
BadgerCare Plus may receive a complete eye exam and glasses annually. Parents can contact
the BadgerCare Plus hotline at (800) 362-3002 for more information.
Uninsured, low-income children may also qualify for vouchers available through Prevent
Blindness Wisconsin. VSP Vouchers (Sight for Students) cover an eye exam and a pair of glasses
at selected providers for children who qualify. Prevent Blindness also offers the Healthy Eyes
Eyeglass Program, which covers the cost of eye glasses. Children from low income families with
no insurance or benefits are potentially eligible for either program. Please contact Prevent
Blindness Wisconsin at (414) 765-0505 for additional information about both programs.
Young children with eye problems often do not know that the way they see the world is not the
way everyone sees it. Without early treatment, children’s vision problems can lead to
permanent vision loss or learning difficulties. Because vision problems often go undiagnosed
and uncorrected, Certified Children’s Vision Screenings and follow up care are critical for
ensuring that children have the healthy vision they need.
To learn more about Children’s vision screening contact WLF, your Vision Screening District
Chairperson, or contact Prevent Blindness Wisconsin at (414) 765-0505.