Reporter's notebook - July 22

Helping kids see

The New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight program is trying to improve the vision of children ages 3 to 7 in eastern New Mexico and statewide — one student at a time.

Program Manager Brenda Dunn said 2,408 students in Curry County and 714 students in Roosevelt County received free eye exams during the 2017-18 school year.

The program also provides vouchers for students who do not have Medicaid or private insurance and are recommended for further eye testing. About 40 such vouchers were distributed in Curry County last school year along with 20 vouchers in Roosevelt County.

Dunn said the program is funded through donations when New Mexico residents visit the Motor Vehicle Department, grants and private donations.

Dunn said the concept for the program, which has been in operation since 2009, originated from the Ruidoso Valley Noon Lions Club that began performing vision screenings in 1998.

— Compiled by Staff Writer Jamie Cushman