Rehoboth Lions Clubs Partner With Rehoboth Schools ~ Update

Rehoboth, MA - The Rehoboth Anawan Lions Club and Rehoboth Lions Club partnered with the administration and staff at the Palmer River Elementary School (PRES), Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School Preschool program (DRRHS Preschool) and the D.L. Beckwith Middle School (BMS) during the week of October 16-18 to provide SPOT Camera vision screening to the student population.

“The SPOT technology was remarkable! We are so appreciative of the Lions Clubs and their efforts to secure the resources and train volunteers to screen our students”, commented Elise DuBois, Palmer River Elementary School Vice Principal. “Early detection of vision impairments is critical to our success as educators. I am excited about the partnership of our school nurses and the Lions. Together, with this new technology, we can positively impact the lives of many students”, Ms. DuBois added.

“Over three days, Lions volunteers and school nurses screened 897 students (PRES – Grades K-4 - 557, DRRHS Preschool 69, BMS - Grades 5 & 7 - 271) using the SPOT Camera technology which screens both eyes at once for six amblyopia risk factors from a nonthreatening distance of three feet. As a result of the screenings 80 students were referred for follow up with eye care professionals”, explained Mike Salois, Past President, Rehoboth Lions Club.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Rehoboth Anawan and Rehoboth Lions Clubs for partnering with our nurses at Beckwith Middle School, D-R Pre-school and Palmer River Elementary School. It is always a positive experience for our schools and community organizations to collaborate on important issues facing our students. In this case providing eye screenings for 897 students.”, voiced Dr. Anthony Azar, Superintendent of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District.

“Lions Past President Mike Salois should be recognized for spearheading the entire eye screening initiative. Mike brought the eye screening concept to the clubs, arranged for training and use of the cameras from Lions District 33S and participated in all three days of screening to ensure the program ran smoothly for all involved. Also, I echo Dr. Azar’s comments and look forward to additional opportunities to collaborate and continue the long-standing commitment of the Lions in support of our community”, added Laura Schwall, President of the Anawan Lions Club.