Middletown Lions Club Gives Free Vision Screenings in Matawan-Aberdeen Schools

Matawan, NJ - Shelia Caldwell, a nurse at the Cambridge Park Pre-School in Matawan, asked students, parents and staff to bring in “gently-used” prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses.

And boy, did they ever. Caldwell presented six boxes jam-packed with eyeglasses to Middletown Lions Club members earlier this month. The Lions Club will distribute the glasses to needy families who otherwise could not afford them as part of their “Lions Recycle for Sight Program.”

Free vision screenings in Matawan-Aberdeen schools

Caldwell said she organized the drive to thank the Lions Club for the free vision screenings they gave in Matawan-Aberdeen schools. With a simple 5-second test, students were screened for near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism (blurred vision), eye misalignment and pupil size deviations.

“These are all vision problems parents and teachers might not be aware of, and that children themselves are sometimes unable to express, especially if they are very young or special needs,” said Caldwell. “The success rate of the screener to capture the disorders is phenomenal.”

If problems are found, the students are sent out to have complete eye examinations from physicians. If children do not have any insurance, the Lions Club helps them, she said.

Photo: Pictured above are Richard LaBabera, President of the Middletown Lions Club, Lion member Lori Anne Oliwa and Sheila Caldwell, RN, School Nurse.