Lions share vision technology with schools

"This is one of our favorite things to do for our community," said Plains Lions Club president, Duane Highcrane between checking in students and assisting his fellow Lions at Thompson Falls Elementary School, Thursday.

The Lions arrived at the school at 9 a.m., taking over a small room in the hallway near the secretary's office. The four members from the Plains club set up complicated-looking equipment and began lining up small groups of student in the hall. The students waited patiently as they heard the youth before them being told to "look at the smiley face and stay as still as possible."

The 'smiley face' was a small gadget hooked to a computer. The device loosely resembled a handheld video game system from the early 80's – but this piece of equipment was worth several thousand dollars more than those old entertainment electronics, and is infinitely more useful.

The 'smiley face' is formally known as the Plus Optix SC9. It is used to scan the human eye for six different problems or possibilities of future vision issues. Highcrane and the Lions are proud that they can provide the service to local students, and are proud that the service does not cost a dime for the schools or taxpayers. This year, the club visited Dixon, Plains, Trout Creek, Thompson Falls and Noxon to assess the eye health of students.

Highcrane noted that the Plus Optix SC9 is out of date and the club hopes to purchase an updated device, assuming there is enough community support. "We hope to acquire a new one, but the cost is $6,500. Perhaps the generous community-spirited people in Sanders County will chip in to replace our outdated SC9."