Riedel Foundation grant to provide early vision screening in Hannibal

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The George H. Riedel Foundation is working with a first-time grant applicant to supply vision screening for Hannibal children.

Saving KidSight is a non-profit organization that focuses on early detection of vision issues, which is key to preventing the problem from becoming a long-term obstacle. An $1,800 grant from the Riedel Foundation will provide screenings for 300 Hannibal children in local daycares, community centers and pre-schools. The screenings can start as young as six months.

“Vision problems are a significant barrier to learning, with studies showing that up to 25% of school aged children have vision issues that can affect their ability to read, write and engage in the classroom,” Mary Jane Noellsch, Saving KidSight board member, said in a press release. “When we identify a child with a vision issue, we work closely with the family to connect them with local eye care providers to ensure they get the necessary treatment.”

Riedel administrator Sarah Deien said, “This is the first time we’ve worked with Saving KidSight. We reached out to some of the organizations they’ve worked with locally in the past, and we’ve heard great mthings about them. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers typically don’t get any kind of vision screening, and we agreed this could help make a difference in their future.”

Since its start in 2000, the Riedel Foundation has provided more than $6 million in grants to non-profit organizations that help Hannibal residents.