150 School Districts Enroll in OhioSEE Eyesight Program

By Deba Uwadiae and Irina Perry

“I can see better,” one of the children who received medicated glasses through the OhioSEE program told Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine as she put on the glasses with excitement at the Prairie Lincoln Elementary School of South Western City School District in Columbus.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff visited Prairie Lincoln Elementary School of South Western City School District in Columbus to discuss OhioSEE, a new children’s eyesight program, with more than 150 school districts enrolled in it.

“OhioSEE is already making an impact one child and a time,” said Governor DeWine.

“Today Fran and I watched as these students put on their new glasses for the first time and could clearly see the pages of a book in front of them. OhioSEE is a model that we know is working.”

iSee Ohio, through the Ohio Optometric Foundation, is one of three OhioSEE vendors providing comprehensive vision services through temporary clinics inside schools.

At today’s event, iSee dispensed glasses to several elementary school students who previously received a comprehensive eye exam, and several other students began the process with a pre-screening and comprehensive eye exam.

“We’re thrilled to be at Prairie Lincoln Elementary School today to provide students with the critical eye exams they need to have the best vision possible to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Shane Foster, President of the iSee Ohio Board of Directors.

“More than ever in today’s classrooms, students can’t learn if they can’t see. Our in-school eye exams provide comprehensive care, a pathway to receive necessary follow-up and, for some, their very first pair of glasses — all at no cost to their families. We’re grateful to Governor DeWine for his commitment to ensuring all Ohio students have access to the vision care they deserve.”

Prairie Lincoln Elementary School is one of more than 150 school districts enrolled, or in the process of enrolling, in OhioSEE, which is bringing comprehensive vision services directly to schools in 15 high-priority counties.

“Children who struggle with vision problems can experience an impact on their ability to learn and participate in the classroom,” said Dr. Vanderhoff.

“Particularly for students in this age group who are learning to read, being able to see clearly can help them catch up in their reading abilities sooner,” said Dr. Vanderhoff.

“We’re encouraged that the number of districts enrolled in OhioSEE has tripled in the past month, and we hope to see more join the program.”

ODH identified 15 high-need counties where 80% of children who are identified through a vision screening as needing additional vision care do not receive it. OhioSEE addresses barriers families may face by bringing comprehensive vision services directly to the 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.

“Today is life-changing for many of these students,” said Dr. Natalie Nguyen, a private practice Doctor of Optometry with Eye Co. in Franklin County.

“Seeing students put on their brand-new glasses and experience their first clear day of sight demonstrates how vital comprehensive eye healthcare is. We’re proud to be part of this commitment to provide the vision support they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.”

“For nearly 20 years, iSee Ohio clinics have been led by optometrists across the state who generously volunteer their time, expertise and resources to ensure learning is not hindered by untreated vision conditions,” said Dr. San-San Cooley, President of the Ohio Optometric Association Board of Directors.

“More than 80% of the children examined through the program have needed eyeglasses or follow-up care. We’re increasing access to care for students by bringing iSee clinics directly to schools and connecting families to local community eye doctors.”

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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