This past year has been a challenge as we navigated the effects of coronavirus. It was imperative that we scale back our program to keep our volunteers as well as the children we screen safe. Most schools decided to shut down, go online or develop some sort of hybrid model for teaching. Many allowed only teachers and students to enter their schools. As a result, few children were screened last year.
We don’t consider the challenges we had last year as barriers to our work. They help us to push forward, think creatively and recommit to providing vision screening and follow-up for more children in Colorado this coming year. Our work is needed now more than ever as many children did not receive a vision screening last year.
As the pandemic eases we are getting lots of phone calls and emails regarding vision screenings for next year. Over the next few months, I will be traveling the state to reconnect with KidSight volunteers, update equipment and say hello. I have missed all of you!
In 2021 we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Colorado Lions KidSight Program. We are forever grateful for the volunteer and financial support of so many in the state, especially the Lions of Colorado. Over the next month, we will be announcing plans for our celebration!
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions
Yours in Lionism, Holly Rutherford-Allen Executive Director