July 2026
Darlinghurst Academy recently welcomed five members from the Lions Childsight UK
project to screen thirty-eight Year 1 students. This was the first such screening in the
City of Southend area, though the project has conducted several screenings elsewhere
in Essex
Leigh-on-Sea Lions Club worked closely with the Darlinghurst team to organise this
inaugural session: letters seeking permission from parents were issued, and only those
children with parental consent were screened, and in the presence of school staff.
While all children are entitled to free sight tests & examinations, not all parents take up
the offer early in their child’s life. Studies show children with corrected vision can
improve their academic performance by up to 44%. Lions Childsight UK offers free, on-
site vision screening for 5-11 year olds, using a PlusoptiX S20 camera, which can
detect early signs of eye problems not readily identified just by looking at an individual.
The screening process is totally non-invasive and very quick: sitting a couple of meters
away, the child looks at the camera (which has a friendly “face” on it) and the camera
scans the eyes & indicates a pass or refer.
Immediately after screening, the school is given the results and letters to be issued to
parents accordingly. All letters encourage regular eyesight tests for children, whether or
not the camera detected a potential issue.
The Lions on the project are all DBS checked and trained in using the screening
camera. Lions record the numbers screened and referrals found , but they do not retain
any data about the children screened, nor are photos taken of any child.
To learn more about Lions Childsight UK in the Southend area, email
community@leighlions.co.uk or visit https://lionschildsightuk.co.uk/