Frequently Asked Questions

The Anchorage Area Lions Joint Site Committee can assist in some instances. Find more information here. Even if you don’t qualify for assistance from the Anchorage Area Lions Joint Site Committee, there may be other programs to assist you. Be sure to ask your health care provider.

Lions Clubs in the Anchorage area participate in some events or health fairs where reading glasses are offered. Please check our event schedule for the next opportunity.

Lions Clubs in the Anchorage area offer occasional eye screenings to veterans and the general public. Please check our schedule for our event list and what groups are being served at those events. The Lions always offer vision screening at the annual Alaska State Fair in Palmer. Elementary school children are screened at their schools.

Yes, the Anchorage Lions participate in annual health fairs offered to military and veterans. Check our schedule for the next event for military and veterans.

Yes, Anchorage Lions participate in health fairs and other events for the homeless and provide vision screenings and also offer free reading glasses. Check our schedule for the next event.

It is a brief eye exam that tests for potential vision problems and eye disorders.

Vision screening is something like the vision test when you get your driver’s license. Your glasses will be cleaned and then your eyes will be tested and the results recorded.

No special preparation is required. If you or your child has been prescribed glasses or contact lenses, please bring them with you to the screening.

No, there are no risks to having your eye screened.

You will be referred to an eye care specialist for a more thorough eye test and treatment if any problems are detected.

The most common problems detected in children are commonly called lazy eye which causes blurry or reduced vision and crossed eyes when the eyes don’t line up properly. These can be treated easily if found early.

These problems that affect both children and adults can also be detected:  Nearsightedness (myopia), a condition that makes far away things look blurry, Farsightedness (hyperopia), a condition that makes close-up things look blurry and Astigmatism, a condition that makes both close-up and far-away things look blurry.

If vision problems are not detected and corrected, children’s ability to learn in school and participate in sports activities is handicapped. The earlier an eye problem is diagnosed and treated, the less it will negatively impact your child’s life.

Here’s what one mother said ” I believe my kid would have fallen behind in school, developed low self esteem and lack of desire to attend school, and would continue to miss out on seeing. Thank you. … Without your efforts, we could have continued to miss that he is visually impaired. Your intervention has impacted my son in ways we will not know.”

No. In many situations as vision screen can alert you to the need for a comprehensive eye exam but it is not a substitute for a eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

A vision screening is a short examination conducted by a volunteer that may indicate the presence of a potential vision problem. A vision screening cannot diagnose exactly what is wrong with your eyes. Vision screening can only alert you that you should make an appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a more comprehensive dilated eye examination.

In some circumstances the Lions can assist you.. If you have any type of insurance, that must be tapped first. Lions act as the last resource.

The Lions Clubs offer free vision screening in Alaska. Read more about vision screening here.

Please contact the Anchorage Area Lions Joint Sight Committee and let Esther know you are interested in helping with vision screening.