Governor DeWine Announces Official Launch of OhioSEE in Cleveland

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, have announced the official launch of OhioSEE, a new children’s eyesight program serving Ohio’s highest-need counties.

Several students at the Campus International School in Cleveland, in kindergarten through third grade received fitted eyeglasses, at no cost to the child or family, from Vision to Learn, an OhioSEE vendor during the official launch.

“What we are doing with OhioSEE is life-changing for these students, and this is just the beginning,” said Governor DeWine.

“I look forward to seeing this program grow as it addresses the barriers preventing young students from receiving the critical eye care they need. I encourage superintendents in the pilot counties to take a serious look at this program and contact us to get enrolled.”

Governor DeWine first announced details of OhioSEE in September. The pilot program will serve 15 high-need counties where ODH found that 80% of children who are identified through a vision screening as needing additional vision care do not receive it.

OhioSEE brings vision services, including comprehensive eye exams and, if needed, glasses, to kindergarten through third grade students right in their school.

School districts in the pilot program area can select one of two service models that work best for their district:

• A fully equipped mobile vision van that travels to schools on a set schedule, offering convenient on-site vision exams. It also returns to dispense eyeglasses directly to students.
• A “roll-on, roll-off” model involves a team setting up an exam space within school areas, such as classrooms or libraries, providing eye exams and dispensing glasses on-site.

“Good vision plays a vital role in students’ success in the classroom – even minor vision problems can significantly impact learning, reading, and participation,” said Dr. Vanderhoff.

“That’s why we’re encouraging schools that are eligible to sign up for this impactful new program. OhioSEE hopes to bridge the gap for students whose families may struggle to arrange follow-up eye care after a failed vision screening by bringing eye exams into schools and covering the cost of those services.”

“We’re grateful for Governor DeWine’s support of the OhioSEE initiative,” said Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

“At Campus International, we see firsthand how access to eyeglasses removes barriers to learning and empowers our students to thrive. Programs like OhioSEE, which provide direct support to students, make a real difference in our classrooms every day. Our students have immense potential, and when we give them the resources they need—whether that’s vision care, school supplies, or other essentials—we help ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

“More than 3 million children across the country go to school every day without the glasses they need,” said Vision To Learn Founder Austin Beutner.

“When children go to school hungry, we feed them. We make sure they have the books and school supplies they need. Why not glasses?”

School districts can request more information about joining OhioSEE by completing this form on ODH’s OhioSEE website. After submitting a request, schools will receive a school program packet containing the official enrollment link. Counties included in the pilot project include Allen, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Erie, Franklin, Guernsey, Huron, Jackson, Lorain, Mahoning, Marion, Montgomery, and Ross.

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