first three months of each year participating in an important programme which benefits all sectors of the community.

The Pre-school Sight Screening Programme (PSSS) ensures that all four and five-year-old children attending Government or private nurseries in Bermuda have their eyes tested before they start primary school.

Since the project was started by the Hamilton Lions 15 years ago, 8,724 children have had their sight tested by PSSS.

Involving more than 40 schools and between 700 to 750 children each year, the project takes a considerable amount of time.

Before actual testing begins, all of the schools are visited, appointments made and a schedule drawn up.

Administered by trained volunteers, the test does not involve touching the eyes in any way and no drugs or drops are used.

In fact, the examination takes the form of every child's favourite pastime -- a game.

Using a large capital letter "E'' on a card, children are asked to indicate whether it is facing up, down, left or right, by pointing their fingers or hands in the same direction as the "legs'' of the letter.

This method is ideal for young children, since it does not require them to know their letters or numbers.

The "E game'' is initially taught by the nursery teacher before the Lioness volunteers arrive, so that the children are prepared.

Each school is visited by two workers -- one to make sure each child knows the game, and the other to do the testing.

If a child is unable to give a satisfactory response on a second attempt, the parents are asked to have their child examined by a professional. Follow-up phone calls are made by members to remind the parents.

Club members also spend many hours telephoning parents to make appointments if their child was absent when the school was visited. Two special Saturday sessions are held to accommodate these children.

If treatment is necessary and the family has financial problems, the Hamilton Lioness Clubs helps however it can, whether it involves a pair of glasses or surgery.

CHILD'S PLAY -- Mrs. Jane Amaral, chairperson of the Lions Bermuda Zone Sight Conservation Committee, plays the "E game'' with three young children to determine whether they have sight problems.